The Pope and NUMBER 27

The Pope and NUMBER 27

Popes last Speech February 27th 2013

Stormy waters

" The Lord gave us days of sun and of light breeze, days in which the fishing was good. There were also moments when there were stormy waters and headwinds, as was the case in the whole history of the Church, as if God was sleeping.

But I always knew that God was in that boat and I always knew that the boat of the Church is not mine, is not ours, but is his and he will not let it sink."

This was and is a certainty and nothing can obscure it. And that is why today my heart is filled with gratitude to God ... I would like everyone to feel the joy of being Christian."

Resignation

" In these last few months, I have felt my strength diminish and I have asked God with insistency in my prayers to illuminate me with his light and make me take the best decision."

I took this step in full awareness of its gravity and novelty but with profound serenity of spirit. Loving the Church also means having the courage to make difficult, painful choices, always keeping the good of the Church in mind and not ourselves."