Speak Out: Lowcountry Bishop Surprised at Pope's Resignation

Count Catholic Diocese of Charleston Bishop Robert E. Gluglielmone as one of the many Lowcountry Catholics surprised with Monday's announced resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

"It opens up a whole new way of looking at the papacy," Guglielmone said.

But while the elderly Pope's decision caught Catholics off guard, the bishop said in a press conference it was not a complete shock, based on the pope’s age, health and the demands of the job. He called the pope's resignation an "outward sign of love."

Click here to read more about the Pope's resignation and to read his full statement. 

Here is Guglielmone's full statement:

Pope Benedict XVI spent his papacy sharing his love of God and love of Church with the Catholic Faithful around the world.  His resignation today is an outward sign of that love.  On behalf of the Diocese of Charleston, I wish to thank Pope Benedict for his 8 years of leadership as Shepherd of the Catholic Church.

Last May, I was fortunate to be part of a group from the Province of Atlanta which met with the Pope during the Ad Limina visit. Our discussion with the Holy Father focused on life in the Church within our growing region and the use of social media as an evangelization tool. During the meeting, Pope Benedict seemed physically tired; he wore the expression of an 85 year old man dealing with his age. However, he was emotionally animated especially when the conversation shifted to the use of technology.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed me Bishop of Charleston in 2009. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as the pastoral leader of Catholics in South Carolina and I am grateful to the Holy Father for giving me this opportunity.

During this time of transition, I ask for your prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and for the worldwide Church. I also ask you to pray that the Holy Spirit imparts wisdom on the College of Cardinals as it meets in the coming weeks to elect a new Pope.

Speak out: What does this mean for the Catholic faith? Tell us in the comments!