The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI was the main issue being discussed during masses celebrated early Wednesday to mark the start of the Lent for Catholic faithful in Cameroon, PANA reported.
Before the mass started at 6:00 am (local time) in the Christ-Roi Parish located in a populous district of Douala, there were discussions on the Pope’s resignation, announced by the Vatican on Monday.
'The pope could no longer stand up to some pressure from lobbies who wanted him to endorse dehumanising practices - gay marriage, pedophilia among others - that are taking place today around the world,' Paul Bakomog, a faithful, said.
To a member of 'Dame Apostolique', a prayer group in the parish, 'Benedict XVI showed the greatness of his faith. Whatever interpretation people may have about his resignation, the most important thing is the grounds he himself put forward. '
The discussions continued until the Ash Wednesday mass started.
In the homily of the day, Father Bayemeg gave a long explanation on the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI as he urged the faithful to “get back to God in that day of Lent”.
'Pope Benedict XVI has not resigned. However, he gave up his teaching for health reasons,' the prelate said.
For Father Bayemeg, 'Pope Benedict XVI has shown humility, wisdom and strong faith in God the creator. He acknowledged he is no longer strong enough to continue fulfilling his mission in dignity. He did not want to be responsible for decisions taken by others but himself. This is a Grace. '
Pana 13/02/2013