Editor's Note: This article was written and submitted by Joe Dowd.
Bellmore-Merrick Roman Catholics were stunned along with the rest of world by the announcement that Pope Benedict XVI would step down at the end of February.
The announcement came in Rome from the ailing pontiff, who has been in deteriorating health, and indicated he is too sick to carry on his duties.
It will be the first time in 600 years that a sitting Pope has abdicated the Throne of St. Peter.
“Declining health or not, once a Pope you're a Pope until you die,” Dawn Merting said on Bellmore Patch’s Facebook page. “That's the idea to meet God..your maker. There's going to be something huge after his step-down.”
Deanna Ewer disagreed, saying “If it is for declining health, I applaud his decision.”
Kim Berly said on Merrick Patch’s Facebook page that she’s happy to see Pope Benedict step down.
“Bye bye!” she said. “Wise move! The man with all the secrets may he now have the time to reflect on his sins!”
John Paul II reigned from 1978 until his death in 2005 and is on the path to Sainthood. Benedict has reigned since April, 2005.
Benedict's resignation sets the stage for the conclave, a secret meeting in Rome of all church Cardinals under 80 years old to decide his successor.
The word "conclave" means, literally, "with a key." Symbolically, the College of Cardinals can not leave the conclave without deciding on a new leader of the world's 1 billion Roman Catholics.
Officials from St. Barnabas Church, Curse of Ars Church and Sacred Heart Church were unavailable for comment.
Michael Ganci contributed to this report.
What do you think of the Pope's resignation? Tell us in the comments section below.
Bellmore-Merrick Stunned by Pope's Resignation
Benedict XVI to step down Feb. 28 for health reasons; Conclave to follow in Rome.
(Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
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Zach T May 17, 2013 at 07:20 pm
The School board is a bunch of morons if they want to remove this designation! There were 0 problems…Read More like this when Malucci was in office, this new superintendent is a waste of space, money, and cares more about his own paycheck then our kids! Between school security, and now this, I motion that we get rid of that skell!
Dr. Kim Lurie May 16, 2013 at 12:54 pm
Bless you, Anthony. And though I know ultimately the "Judge" will have to be held…Read More accountable by a higher authority...those of us who do this work, have not forgotten nor will we allow the system to forget what her role in this travesity was.
Anthony Merlo May 16, 2013 at 10:24 am
Thank you for this wonderful article on a good man pushed to the brink. I appriciate the fact this…Read More came form the heart and did not hold back. As Sacristan at Cure of Ars, I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Rich (as I called him) for some time. He was a man of faith and a pleasure to see. Always with a smile and kind word, you would never know what was going on the way he acted. This was a wonderful and insightful article. It is heartbreaking to think that where there was once love between 2 people, things got to the point where one persons life was destroyed by those who could and did for no apparent reason other than having the ability to do so. God will have mercy on Dr. Rich and the ex-wife and "Judge" should pray for the same given their actions.
helen turner May 13, 2013 at 07:58 am
i did forget to mention my maiden name - McKinney - there might be an old timer or two who might…Read More remember the McKinney family - my father was an artist who many people knew
Michael Ganci (Editor) May 10, 2013 at 04:08 pm
Can you add a photo to this? If so, I can promote in top news for you! Thanks! MG