Bishop of Shrewsbury reveals his great sadness over Pope's retirement

The shock news was announced by the Vatican earlier this week, with Pope Benedict announcing his intention to step down on the grounds of declining health.

An official statement has now been issued by Bishop of Shrewsbury Mark Davies, who likened the Pope's departure to a 'bereavement' for the Catholic Church.

Bishop Davies added the Church could be grateful for the Pope's eight years in the role.

He said: "We all received the news of Pope Benedict's decision with great sadness.

"It is a moment when we feel a certain sense of bereavement in the family of the Church.

"Pope Benedict indicates that he renounces his office as pope in the light of his declining strength in mind and body and so for the sake of the Church and the effective continuance of the Petrine ministry amidst the many challenges of these times.

"How gratefully we will remember the eight years of Pope Benedict's service of the Church as our Holy Father.

"We think of the way he courageously responded to this call when already an elderly man, the enduring legacy of his teaching by which he confirmed us in faith and the unforgettable days of his apostolic visit to our country which gave new heart to us all.

"Let us pray now for Pope Benedict as he continues his service of the Church by a life devoted to prayer and pray very much for the coming conclave and for his successor who will continue the ministry of Peter for us as our Holy Father the Pope."

Pope Benedict will be the first head of the Catholic Church to resign in almost 600 years when he steps down on February 28.

A new Pope is to be elected to replace the 85-year-old Pontiff before the end of March.