Pope was "in good spirits" two weeks ago says local bishop

The Bishop of Meath, Michael Smith, said Pope Benedict was "in very good spirits" when the pair met twelve days ago. In a surprise move, the Pope announced his resignation on health grounds earlier today. Bishop Smith, whose Diocese includes the parishes of Tubberclair, Tubber, Drumraney, Dysart and Ballymore, met Pope Benedict during a visit to Rome on January 30 last. The Bishop said: "The Pope was in very good spirits. Although he has lost weight in recent times, he still spoke clearly in eight languages at the Audience I attended." Commenting on the Pope's life and ministry, Bishop Smith said: "When he was elected, Benedict XV1 introduced himself to the large crowd in St. Peter's Square as a 'humble servant of the Gospel'. He was a gentle yet deeply spiritual person, blessed with great intellectual gifts. "He has been a true teacher of the faith all his life but especially so during his years as Pope. He has left us a veritable library of teaching that not only proclaimed and explained the faith but also confronted the many issues facing secular society in this era. "His was a prophetic voice that will resonate both in the Church and in society for decades to come. He has decided, after much prayer and reflection, to hand the task on to another while he enters into an enclosed monastery to serve the Church, as he said in his final statement in a life dedicated to prayer. "I encourage people to accompany Pope Benedict XVI in his prayer for the Church."