Pope Benedict XVI resigns

And here I thought the search for a new director of the Liturgy Office for the Archdiocese of Seattle was the big news of this year. (It's all about perspective.) This morning's news of Pope Benedict's resignation, effective February 28th, definitely put our office's own time of transition into a whole new perspective for me.

At this point, the Secretariat of Divine Worship for the USCCB is working on several resources and official documents regarding the Pope's resignation. They hope to have something soon. Until the official day of the Pope's resignation (28 Feb) there will be no change in the Eucharistic Prayers. However, after 8:00pm Rome time on 28 Feb there will be a state called "sede vacante" or "the see being empty" so priests will no longer say the Pope's name in the Eucharistic Prayer after that.

In the meantime, priests are welcome to use the formulary, "For the Pope" from the Masses for Various Needs found in the Roman Missal during an appropriate time. Below are also some sample Prayers of the Faithful from Faith Catholic. Feel free to compose your own as well for your own parish or institution.

The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions also posted a prayer for Pope Benedict available in English and Spanish.

Let us keep Pope Benedict, the Cardinals who will soon elect a new pope, and the entire universal Church in our prayers and offer thanksgiving for the ministry of Pope Benedict these past eight years.

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That the Holy Father finds peace in his decision to resign, and that his courage and strength
of character be a model for the universal Church to be steadfast in following the teachings of
Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

That his Holiness Pope Benedict may know the blessing and love of God during the remaining
years of his life on earth, let us pray to the Lord.

For the Holy Father, that his time of retirement may be restful for both body and spirit, let us
pray to the Lord.

For the Church, that all members unite their prayers in support of the Cardinals as they select
our new Vicar of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

That all members of the Body of Christ will find hope in the workings of the Holy Spirit as He
guides the Church through this transition of leadership, let us pray to the Lord

That God’s Spirit may guide and inspire our Church during this time of discernment for a
smooth and grace-filled papal transition, let us pray to the Lord.

That the message of Jesus' love for the poor and help for those suffering from injustice will
guide the Church as she moves forward during this papal transition, let us pray to the Lord.

That the Church's College of Cardinals will be true to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as they
prayerfully consider who will next lead our Church, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, you alone know what the Church needs in a new Pope, fill our new Shepherd with your
Holy Spirit of grace, humility, strength and truth, let us pray to the Lord.