WASHINGTON, DC (February 13, 2013) —The following statement is being released by Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA):

I expressed the appreciation of the Catholic Health Association and its members to Pope Benedict after the announcement of his resignation.

Pope Benedict has been a true servant of the Lord. He has used his gifts for the good of the Church in many ways. His theological competence has been coupled with a pastoral heart. We saw this most clearly in his pastoral letter on charity.

Pope Benedict's humble statement regarding the frailty of his age and that it is not compatible with the requirements of the papacy was an example to all of us. His simple acknowledgement that it is time to relinquish power and transfer it to another leader with the strength required for such a demanding position demonstrates Pope Benedict's love of the Church.

When the Pope was in the United States, I saw firsthand how he gave of himself. As the coordinator of his medical coverage, I had the privilege to be at all the papal events. I especially remember Pope Benedict at the end of a long day of meetings and events, arriving at Yonkers, New York, for the youth rally. The stage was literally two catwalks surrounded by thousands of young people. The Pope was amazing as he walked up and down, bending over to shake the hands of so many. We all marveled at his energy and love for the young people.

That commitment to the Church has characterized his papacy. On behalf of all in Catholic health care, thank you Holy Father, and may God bless you with health and joy as you seek to serve the Church in the apostolate of prayer.

The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), founded in 1915, supports the Catholic health ministry's commitment to improve the health status of communities and create quality and compassionate health care that works for everyone. The Catholic health ministry is the nation's largest group of not-for-profit health systems and facilities that, along with their sponsoring organizations, employ more than 750,000 women and men who deliver services combining advanced technology with the Catholic caring tradition.