PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has commended retiring Pope Benedict XVI over his decision to voluntarily relinquish the Papacy because of his advanced age and growing inability to keep up with the physical and mental demands of the Office.
In a statement released by the State House on Tuesday, the president said he was sending his wishes “on behalf of himself, the federal government and people of Nigeria,”
adding that he “wishes the Pope a very peaceful and restful retirement at the end of this month.”
The president said that he “trusts that even in retirement, Pope Benedict XVI will continue to contribute to the spiritual well-being of the world in every possible way and that he will continue to offer prayers to God Almighty for global justice, equity, peace and progress.”
Mr. Jonathan also prayed that divine wisdom guide the college of cardinals as they plan on convening to select a successor to the pope, eight years after he ascended the papacy.
“God Almighty will grant members of the College of Cardinals the wisdom and divine insight they will require to bring forth a worthy successor to Pope Benedict XVI who will build on the outgoing Pontiff’s commendable achievements as head of the Worldwide Catholic Church,” the statement.