Assemblyman Joe Borelli (R,C,I – South Shore) said upon hearing of Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to retire, “I was saddened to hear that the Holy Father plans to step down. After seven years as Pontiff of a truly global church and many decades in ministry, he can rest secure knowing he spent his life in service to others.” Borelli continued, “It took a great deal of courage and faith to accept the mantle as ‘the Successor of Saint Peter,’ but it has to take even more strength to step aside.”
Josef Cardinal Ratzinger, was elected Pope in 2005 after the passing of his immediate predecessor, Pope John Paul II. This was after the Catholic Church had been rocked by a series of scandals and declining attendance at services.
“I wish the Pope much rest in his retirement. A person’s legacy is never clear until after they’re gone, but I am sure that the tenure of Pope Benedict XVI will be fondly remembered,” continued Borelli. “I will keep the Pope and the College of Cardinals in my thoughts and prayers as they begin the process of naming a successor.”
Assemblyman Borelli was raised a Roman Catholic and is a graduate of several Catholic institutions of learning including Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, and Marist College.