Text By: Bishop James A. Tamayo

Last Monday, like most in our community, I awoke to the shocking revelation that our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has tendered his resignation effective February 28, 2013 at 7 p.m. Rome time. I was filled with mixed emotions at the news. At first, I was saddened that His Holiness would no longer serve as the successor to St. Peter in a way that only he could—as a loving shepherd of his flock, as an unparalleled scholar and as a man who served God with humility. Nearly 86-years-old, the pope cited being tired of body and mind for his resignation. Pope Benedict XVI is a faithful servant of God and offers his resignation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And it is the Holy Spirit who will now guide the Cardinals in the selection of our next Pope. As I do every morning, I offered a special intention for Pope Benedict XVI during my daily prayers. I also prayed for the ensuing Conclave of Cardinals who will soon be electing a new pope. And it was during this time that I also listened with my heart. I realize that the Holy Spirit is working through our Holy Father to encourage us to walk through the door of faith that has opened wide. I recognized how blessed we are to have Pope Benedict XVI serve as our shepherd. I recalled and gave thanks to God that we had the opportunity to witness his travels to the United States and Mexico. During his visit to Washington D.C., our Holy Father visited the White House as the leader of state. However, it was his visit to Nationals Park, Yankee Stadium and St. Patrick’s Cathedral as well as Guanajuato in Mexico as the shepherd of the Catholic faith that reverberated with a message of hope throughout these great republics. This marks an important moment in our lives. Nearly 600-years have passed since a pontiff has relinquished the chair of St. Peter. We are all witness to a great act of humility out of concern for the future of the universal church. As bishop of the Diocese of Laredo, I invite all Catholics and all people of good will to join us in continued prayer for the good health of Pope Benedict XVI. We also offer our prayers that the Holy Spirit, always present in the Church, enlightens the Conclave to select a worthy successor to St. Peter and one who is prepared to meet the challenges of today’s world— Todo Con Amor.