The Catholic Church in PNG’says it was shocked bythe news ofthe resignation of Pope Benedictthe 16th.
The General Secretary of that body Fr.Victor Roche saidthe news was never expected, it has not happen in over 6 hundred years. Having metthe Pope last year Fr.Victor believesthe decision is purely onthe state of his health.
Papua New Guineahas a population of over two million Catholics. The church is indeedthe largest institution inthe world with 1.2 billion followers.
The Pope isthe head ofthe Church and Papua New Guineas did havethe privilege to meet Pope John Paul three times, once as a Cardinal and twice as Pope.
Pope John Paul dlied as a Pope a trend followed inthe last six hundred years.
What has shocked Catholics worldwide now isthe decision by John Paul’s successor Pope Benedictthe 16th, to resign.
Catholics in PNG and Solomon Islands are equally shocked by his decision.
Fr.Victor said he is confidentthe Church will have a new Pope by Easter.
The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in a statement has conveyed best wishes for the health ofthe Pope.
O’Neill acknowledgedthe church’s’ contributions in both health and education.
Michelle Amba, National EMTV News
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