THE DIOCESE OF JEFFERSON CITY

Office of the Bishop

NEWS RELEASE
Date: February 11, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dan Joyce, Director of Communications
Email: djoyce@diojeffcity.org Phone: (573) 635-9127 (x264) Fax: (573) 635-2286 2207 W. Main St. P.O. Box 104900 Jefferson City, MO 65110

John R. Gaydos, Bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, releases the following statement: As our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, prepares to retire from his ministry as Universal Pastor of the Church, all of the people of God in our Diocese of Jefferson City offer fervent thanks to God for the nearly eight years that Pope Benedict has exercised the Petrine ministry. He has taught clearly and wisely, he has ruled gently and firmly, he has prayed with and for us and the whole world. I am grateful that our Holy Father has come to this prayerful decision, and ask all of our Local Church and all people of good will to join together in praying to God for the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit during this time of transition for the Catholic Church throughout the world.

P.O. Box 104900 Jefferson City, Missouri 65110-4900 Telephone 573-635-9127 facsimile 573-635-0386 www.diojeffcity.org