Suleiman Salutes Pope's 'Wise' Decision to Resign
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربيةPresident Michel Suleiman stated on Tuesday that the Lebanese will be among the people who will most miss Pope Benedict XVI in light of his decision to resign.
He saluted his “bold and wise decision”, comparing it to that of former Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir who stepped down in 2011.
“The pope completed his papal career through his historic visit to Lebanon, the repercussions of which are still reverberating to this day,” added the president.
Suleiman hoped that Lebanon “will remain in the heart of Pope Benedict”, wishing him health and a long life.
The pope paid a three-day visit to Lebanon in September.
He announced on Monday his decision to step down for health reasons.
Sfeir stepped down from his post due to old age.
The Pope’s resignation is a step in the right direction and is a clear lesson in humility and dedication as well as a lesson that we all are weak in the presence of Almighty God and no matter how high in ranks we elevate, one day will come when we all will die and meet our creator. The Pope realized this knowing full well that his aim from the day he ascended to the rank of Papacy was the day when he will meet his creator and give an account for what he did on earth. It’s also a smart move to protect the church which needs agility and abilities both of mind and body to carry out the huge task of running the church in these unusually turbulent times which the Pope at this age doesn’t have. I applaud his move and laud his demeanor as the head of the largest Christian church in the world. Many in his place would have sat down enjoying the fruits of Papacy not caring whether or not they could demonstrate abilities as the throne is kept until death.
Hopefully for all decent Lebanese, Suleiman Quixote will learn from the Pope and wisen up, too.