The head of the Catholic church in Thunder Bay says he didn’t see the pope’s resignation coming, but wasn’t shocked by the news.
Bishop Fred Colli said Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned as head of the Catholic church Monday, has looked frail as of late and understands that his health is a concern.
“When he says he doesn’t have the stamina or the energy to continue on then I can understand that,” Colli said.
The sudden decision to resign is another sign of the pope putting the needs of the church first. Colli said he wants to pass on the leadership to someone who can continue to work for the church in these tumultuous times.
Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet has been one of the most talked about candidates to continue that work. Colli knows the cardinal personally from Ouellet’s time as archbishop of Quebec City.
If he became pope, Colli said he would be overjoyed and it would do great things for the Catholic church in Canada.
“He is a fine gentleman and a wonderful leader,” Colli said. “I think he has great capabilities but you know there’s always a surprise when the Cardinals go in to vote.”
Colli was named bishop of Thunder Bay by Pope John Paul II in 1999.
