By Barb Arland-Fye
The Catholic Messenger asked Corinne Winter, professor of theology at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, to share her thoughts about Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement that he will resign Feb. 28.
What was your reaction to the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI?
“Pope Benedict has been someone who has been very realistic in many ways. So, after some thought, it makes sense to me as something he would do. But if someone had asked me, ‘Do you think he might resign?’ I wouldn’t have guessed that. It seemed to come unexpectedly. I have a sense that there’s a deliberate connection with the whole Lenten and Easter journey, the idea that it’s a journey to new life. It’s a journey we must make and it’s painful.”
What does his resignation mean to the future of the Catholic Church?
“I don’t think there’s going to be a big change. Pope Benedict has appointed 67 of the 118 cardinal-electors. They’re probably going to be thinking very much the way he thinks.
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