CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma was surprised after learning about the Pope’s decision to resign.
“I have yet to receive the official statement although I heard about it from good sources. we expect an official communication,” he said in an interview at the Archbishop’s Residence last night.
Palma , who was appointed as Archbishop of Cebu by Pope Benedict XVI over two years ago, said the Church needs someone who has the strength and quality of mind to serve God’s flock.
“In his case he said he’s very weak and fragile. We need someone with good qualities of faculties. and I think that what motivated the Holy Father to tender resignation. But at the moment many among us were really shocked,” he said.
Palma, who is also the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, lauded the Pope for serving the Church.
“He was such a wonderful pope. Despite his old age, he was able to produce wonderful reflections. For us. It is shocking although at close range we know how fragile he is,” he said.
When he was in Rome October last year, Palma said he noticed that the Holy Father was weak.
“We need to understand him and pray for him. For the moment, he still would have made a very good Pope until God calls him,” he said./Fe Marie Dumaboc and Ador Vincent Mayol