In December last year, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope ever to bless his Catholic flock, including Pinoys, through a Twitter message.
Two months later however, the same Twitter flock who followed the pope (@Pontifex) was abuzz with a different news: his resignation.
The pope said he will step down from the Vatican throne Feb. 28, noting that he lacked strength to fulfill his duties.
Interestingly, his last tweet via his Twitter account @Pontifex talked about man's weakness as sinners.
News of the the pope's resignation, including reactions, immediately spread through Twitter in the Philippines.
A tweet by Sun.Star Cebu quoted Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal as saying that the pope "was already very weak" during the canonization rites of Pinoy Saint Pedro Calungsod in October.
Others were more emotional, such as Twitter user ?louise hernandez who said: "I am in tears. Hay. #poperesigns"
Twitter user Kitkat Ramos said:
News of the the pope's resignation, including reactions, immediately spread through Twitter in the Philippines.
But most Pinoys expressed shock at the resignation, said to be the first in modern times.
Jason Cruz said: "Can one 'chosen by God' resign? #PopeResigns"
Many users also wondered about the resignation's impact on the Catholic church worldwide.
Some even floated the possibility of a Filipino being elected pope, particularly Antonio Tagle, who the pope has recently named a cardinal.
Still, some wondered if the pope's resignation forebodes more ominous events.
Full Coverage: Pope Benedict's resignation
- Pope Benedict to resign, says no longer has strength to fulfill ministry
- Can a Pope resign?
- Pope resignation announcement text
