Scathing criticism for the accusations of sexual abuse by priests. In 2008 the pope said the scandal in the United States made him feel deeply ashamed. During a visit he met privately with victims of pedophile priests. In words of man could describe the pain. Catholic cardinals will gather in rome in march to elect the new pope. It is likely his successor could be in place by easter sunday. Many betting firms are placing odds on who will be the next pope. Right now, Cardinal Peter turkson of ghana is the favorite. He is 65 and would be the first black pope. He is head of the vatican justice and peace bureau. Other favorites include someone from nigeria. The shockwaves reached to the bay area. We are joined live with that part of the story. A lost catholics wonder of the timing of the announcement. Two days before lent, very holy time for the catholic church, but a spokesman at the diocese thinks it shows great humility he recognized he could not do the job. Catholics attending mass thi
Live from the kgotv Broadcast Center this is abc7 a stunning announcement today, 85yearold Pope Benedict will resign in two weeks from now saying his health is the reason. Good morning, i am kristen sze. Pope benedict was elected in 2005 at the age of 78, the oldest pope chosen in 300 years. He plans to spend the rest of his life living in a monastery in a life of prayer. We have Team Coverage with abc7 News Reporter filled with local reaction and our reporter is joining us live from washington, dc, with the latest. Karen . Good afternoon. The news was a surprise to the popes closest aides but Officials Say they noticed he had grown weaker. The first pope to resign in 600 years but Pope Benedict says he made the decision freely. It was a stunning announcement. Delivered in latin. At the end of a meeting of cardinals in rome. Pope benedict xvi will step down at the end of the month for health reasons. The 85yearold said the strength deteriorateed to the extent i have to recognize my inc