Holy See spokesman expresses esteem for Pope

February 22, 2013 - “I have great admiration for the gesture of Pope Benedict XVI – a limpid, pure, and courageous act which one is witnessing for the first time in centuries.” This is what Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi told Italian television news TG1, regarding the Pope who is stepping down on Feb. 28. The Jesuit priest noted that the Pope had long thought about and reflected on his resignation, as it appeared in his interview to Peter Seewald, the German journalist, who published it in his book, “The Light of the World.” The director of the Holy See’s Press Office reiterated the Pope’s motive, saying it is tied to the assessment of his strength in relation to the mission and service demanded of him. “It is only he who has the in-depth perception into his strengths in relation to the challenges that a Pope must face,” Fr. Lombardi added.