Pope's Resignation Decision Was Months In Making, Report

BERLIN ? German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she has the "very highest respect" for German-born Pope Benedict XVI's decision to step down.

Merkel told reporters after the pontiff's announcement Monday: "As chancellor, I thank Benedict XVI for his work and wish him from the bottom of my heart all the best for the coming years." She didn't say whether the outgoing pope might return to his homeland and left without taking questions.

Merkel, who is a Protestant, praised Benedict for his efforts to promote dialogue with other Christian denominations and religions. She said that he "reached out his hand to Jews as well as Muslims."

Merkel said: "Benedict XVI is and will remain one of the most important religious thinkers of our time."

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/11/pope-resignation-_n_2661166.html

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