Archbishop Schnurr, Bishop Foys offer words on the pope to Tri-State Roman Catholics

CINCINNATI - In messages to the more than 570,000 Roman Catholics in the Tri-State, church leaders reminded parishioners of the role and authority of the pope, called for prayers as the cardinals begin the process of electing a new pope and gave thanks for the faithful service of Pope Benedict XVI.

Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati on the Sunday after Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation. In his homily, the Catholic Telegraph reports that Archbishop Schnurr recounted the role of the pope.

 “The pope represents God our Father in a special way, because like a good parent he guards the truth of the revelation which Jesus Christ handed on to his apostles,” the archbishop said, according to the newspaper. Archbishop Schnurr went on to call for prayer, joining with Benedict XVI, who in his farewell to the cardinals prayed that all might be “fully docile to the action of the Holy Spirit in the election of the new pope.”

Covington Diocese Bishop Roger J. Foys also offered words to area Roman Catholics. In a letter published at the diocese website, Bishop Foys wrote of the work of Pope Benedict XVI and his “profound effect on the life of the church” and gave thanks for the example he has been to all.