IN HIS first official statement as Bishop-elect of Limerick, Fr Brendan Leahy has told The Limerick Post that he felt sadness and admiration over this week’s announcement that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on health grounds on February 28.
Fr Leahy said: “I feel sadness because it is poignant to hear him speak of his deteriorating strength due to advancing age; his humble recognition of incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to him, and his request for pardon for defects. I also feel admiration for the Pope who has shown yet again that what matters is to put God in the first place in life.
“I met him on a number of occasions before he became Pope. I was struck by how gracious, unassuming and courteous he was, and very interested in Ireland,” said Fr Leahy.
The Bishop-elect’s comments come as the focus now turns to who will succeed the German-born pontiff, who replaced Pope John Paul II in April 2005. The Vatican has indicated that the conclave to elect the new Pope will take place before Easter.
Pope Benedict XVI said shortly after his election in 2005 that he had prayed to God during the conclave of cardinals not to be elected in the hope of a more peaceful old age “but evidently this time He didn’t listen to me”.
Bishop-elect Fr Brendan Leahy, who trained as a barrister and professor of Theology at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, was appointed Bishop-elect of Limerick on January 10 by Pope Benedict.
He will be ordained on April 14 at St John’s Cathedral.
Above: Bishop-elect Fr. Brendan Leahy.
