Atlanta Archbishop Wilton Gregory is calling on parishioners to remember Pope Benedict XVI on a day designated by the church as "World Day of the Sick."
The Archbishop told congregants the pontiff is retiring at the end of the month because of his age.
"The reason he gives is that he's growing old and frail," Gregory said.
After mass, the Archbishop said that Pope Benedict wasn't the man he had known for many years when he last saw him in May.
"I remember him as a very engaging and energetic individual, eager to dialogue and make himself available. In May, he was noticeably tired," Gregory said.
Gregory was appointed by Pope John Paul II, the second longest serving pontiff in Catholic history. He says Pope Benedict privately witnessed the decline of his predecessor's health and a very public battle with Parkinson's disease.
"And perhaps he, out of his love for the church, decided let's not do that again," Gregory said.
The faithful who attended Mass were shocked, but called Pope Benedict brave for stepping down of his own volition.
"Courageous thing for him to do, accepting the fact that he may be having physical problems," said Ed Yarosz.
The College of Cardinals will choose Pope Benedict's successor.
Saturday, May 25 2013 3:54 PM EDT2013-05-25 19:54:41 GMT
Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is reminding Georgians to check their insurance policies for hurricane coverage as National Hurricane Preparedness Week approaches.
Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is reminding Georgians to check their insurance policies for hurricane coverage as National Hurricane Preparedness Week approaches.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
