Resignation shocks world v

By SONIA KENU
THE Catholic congregation of Papua New Guinea is just as shocked as the rest of the world by the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, a church official says.
Secretary-general of the PNG Catholic Bishops Conference Fr Victor Roche said the Pope’s resignation was a huge surprise because it had never happened in the past 600 years.
“The Pope sees a need to resign because he feels that his age has caught up with him. It was a humble decision he made.”
There are about two million Catholics in PNG, which constitutes 30% of the total population.
“The news is shocking but also good for the Pope and the Catholic community at large,” he said.
According to the Catholic law, a Pope could step down if he felt that he was not able to contribute fully, Roche said.
His resignation will be effective Feb 28.
Meanwhile, 120 cardinals from around the world will meet to elect a successor to Pope Benedict.
Roche said this should be done by early next month or just before Easter.