Mass celebrated in Atlanta as pope resigns
From Staff Reportsreligion@newnan.com
A special Mass of Thanksgiving for the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI and for the election of a new pope on was held Feb. 28 at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta.
The service was held on the final day of Benedict XVI’s service as pope.
Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and the priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta celebrate the Mass of Thanksgiving.
“I witness my sixth papal vacancy with the same level of anticipation as all Catholics the world over,” Gregory said.
“With this conclave, the media is omnipresent and very actively engaged in detailing the process allowing people throughout the world a much greater ability to see the events and to express their opinions about a whole host of things. Yet the cardinals will gather in prayer and deliberation in a 15th century chapel and follow a tradition that may seem antiquated by others in order to choose the one who will inherit the Office of Peter in the Church,” the archbishop stated.
“The technological innovations of the 21st century will be used to view a process that is intended to continue the pastoral office once entrusted to Peter and his successors. May the Holy Spirit inspire and guide those who view and those who vote as we await the one who will appear on the loggia with the heavy burden of office on his shoulders and the prayers of the entire Church as a sure source of strength,” Gregory added.
Gregory and Luis R. Zarama, auxiliary bishop of Atlanta, held a press conference immediately prior to the Feb. 28 Mass.
The press conference took place in Kenny Hall at the cathedral.
