Archbishop Gregory Prays for New Pope; Holds Thanksgiving Mass

In appreciation for the leadership and service of Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and the priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta celebrated a special Mass of Thanksgiving for the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI and for the election of a new Pope on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 5:30 p.m.—the day of the Holy Father’s resignation—at the Cathedral of Christ the King.

Gregory said Thursday marked the sixth Papal vacancy he's witnessed.

He said, "The Cardinals will gather in prayer and deliberation in a 15th century chapel and follow a tradition that may seem antiquated by others in order to choose the one who will inherit the Office of Peter in the Church."

He continued, “The technological innovations of the 21st Century will be used to view a process that is intended to continue the pastoral office once entrusted to Peter and his successors.  May the Holy Spirit inspire and guide those who view and those who vote as we await the one who will appear on the loggia with the heavy burden of office on his shoulders and the prayers of the entire Church as a sure source of strength.”

-from the Catholic Communications Office of the Archdiocese of Atlanta