Madrid, Spain, Feb 14, 2013 / 12:02 pm
The secretary general of the Spanish Bishops' Conference defended Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign and said that the Holy Spirit will choose a new shepherd to govern God's people.
The Holy Father made his decision to retire "in full conscience and freedom," which are the necessary conditions for resigning according to the Code of Canon Law, said Bishop Juan Antonio Martinez Camino.
He stressed that Pope Benedict's decision to step down at the end of February was not due to problems facing the Church, but because he lacks the physical strength to carry out the papal ministry.
Speaking on Spanish radio, the bishop assured the faithful that the Holy Spirit will inspire the cardinals charged with electing the next Pope, ensuring that the person chosen is the one the Lord wants to guide his Church.