Statement by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, on the announcement of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

Brussels, 11-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Statement by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, on the announcement of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

I deeply respect the decision of Pope Benedict XVI, especially since it is not in line with tradition. His pontificate has been short but very difficult.

###

Dirk De Backer – Spokesperson of the President – ( +32 (0)2 281 9768 – +32 (0)497 59 99 19
Preben Aamann – Deputy Spokesperson of the President – ( +32 (0)2 281 2060 – +32 (0)476 85 05 43
press.president@consilium.europa.eu http://www.european-council.europa.eu/the-president