ERIE —
“It was with great surprise that I heard the news that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning — this is the first time in 600 years that a pope has resigned. The Holy Father realized that his age and health would make it difficult to continue fulfilling the role entrusted to him as the supreme pastor of the church.
“I think he should be commended for his decision. He not only has the wisdom and foresight to see the limitations of his age and health, but also has the humility to give up the office of St. Peter. He was able to humbly resign the office entrusted to him, making way for the church to have a new pastor, someone who will take up his leadership and continue the pastoral and spiritual care of the church.
“Pope Benedict brought to the papacy the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor. For eight years he has led the church, during which time he responded to some very serious concerns. He gave us an excellent example of selfless leadership.
“I never had the opportunity to meet Pope Benedict XVI, but I certainly have a bond with him as he is the one who appointed me as Bishop of Erie.
“At this time, I ask all of the faithful of the Diocese of Erie to pray for Pope Benedict XVI and to pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the cardinals of the Catholic Church as they prepare for the conclave where they will elect the new pope. Pray they will elect someone who will truly fit the needs of the time for the church.”
Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie
Local News
Bishop of Erie Diocese comments on pope's retirement
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Area Memorial Day observances
The following Memorial Day observances are set across Crawford County.
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Parade highlight of local Memorial Day observances
People turn out for Memorial Day observances in Meadville and other communities in appreciation for the freedoms Americans enjoy, Joe Galbo has learned over the past several years.
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Local couple's absentee ballots tossed
The absentee ballots of a couple who live near a polling place and were seen at home doing yardwork and riding an all-terrain vehicle during Tuesday’s election have been thrown out by the Crawford County Election Board.
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Widow says land dispute behind local man's killing
Ralph L. Young wanted to build some kind of ministry on the family property where he grew up in Franklin.
His sister, Alice Dignall, wasn’t sure what kind of ministry he had planned, but she and her husband, David A. Dignall, were against it. -
Cochranton teen honored for 'selfless act of assistance'
When 16-year-old Jacob Simpson set off on a walk on Mother’s Day afternoon, the last thing he had in mind was saving a life.
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Little public comment on jail review at commissioners meeting
There was little public comment at Thursday’s meeting of the Crawford County Prison Board on a recent review of operations of the Crawford County Correctional Facility.
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Police seek help solving sheep shooting case
Pennsylvania State Police at Corry are seeking the public’s help in solving a sheep shooting in eastern Crawford County.
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Meadville man guilty in scores of sex charges
In one of the most extensive child molestation cases in Crawford County in two decades, a Meadville-area man has been found guilty by a Crawford County jury of more than six dozen charges involving sexual contact with a young boy over a more than two and one-half year period.
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Park set to open for season Friday afternoon
Continuing a tradition started in 1892, Conneaut Lake Park will open for another season the Friday before Memorial Day.
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Conneaut Lake Park headed to tax sale over $877K in property taxes
The Crawford County Board of Commissioners said Wednesday it will put into motion plans to have Conneaut Lake Park be sold for overdue property taxes.
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Area Memorial Day observances
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