Washington D.C., Feb 25, 2013 / 17:05 pm
Pope Benedict's eight years of service to the Church should leave the faithful filled with gratitude and renewed in both faith and love, said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C.
"We are able to recognize that our Holy Father's action speaks to us of his greatness and his ability to recognize the needs of the Church Universal today," the cardinal said at a Feb. 24 Mass of Thanksgiving for the service of Pope Benedict XVI.
Around 3,000 people gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the Mass.
In his homily, Cardinal Wuerl voiced gratitude to the Holy Father for his leadership and loving care.