Shocked. Numb. Speechless. Flabbergasted. These are just some of the words to describe the reaction of Pinoys all over the world upon hearing the news of the Pope’s resignation.
The Supreme Pontiff made the announcement yesterday and cited old age as the reason. According to Inquirer News, this is the first time in 600 years that a Pope has abdicated the See of Rome.
Pope Benedict XVI was the oldest Pope elected. He was already 78 when he assumed the papacy in 2005. He has already slowed down considerably in the last couple of years owing to his advanced age. After his resignation takes effect on Feb 28, the ex-pope is planning to live the remainder of his years in a cloistered monastery. There he said, he will devote his life to prayer.
Being predominantly Catholic, this was all everyone could talk about on Monday night. The Pope’s resignation was the trending topic in Twitter, Gmail and Facebook.
Like most instances of surprising news, the tweets have ranged from concern and humility, as well as some humor and political referencing.
Some, like broadcast journalist Kara David, tweeted their respect for the Pope. Others like Jim Paredes were reminded of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons.
Rico Hizon was more forward looking with his tweet: “After Pope Benedict resigns, a conclave will choose his replacement. Will the next Pope be Asian? Filipino? Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle?
Jim Paredes also wondered “if there will be a new Pope by Easter”.
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