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Local Catholic Leader React To Pope’s Resignation


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The head of local Roman Catholic churches in Athens says the sudden news that Pope Benedict XVI will resign at the end of the month does not necessarily come as a surprise.

The Vatican announced Monday morning of Benedict's plan to step down on February 28. 

"I'm not that surprised that he decided to step down. He said early on in his papacy that it's possible that he might need to step down," said Father Mark Moore, who oversees St. Paul Church and Christ the King University Parish.

Fr. Moore said he understands the 85-year-old pontiff's decision to step down from his papacy.

"What he is doing is for the good of the church… He's saying 'My own capacities and strengths have diminished to such a point that I need to step down for the good of the church'," said Moore.

Benedict would be the first pope in six centuries to resign.