Source: Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), P. 216.
“After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths due to an advanced age are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. In order to govern the bark of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary — strengths which in the last few months, have deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.”
Statement announcing his resignation as pope, quoted in ABCNews http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/vatican-pope-resigning-feb-28-18462573, 'Pope Benedict to Resign, Vatican Says' (11 February 2013)
2013
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Pope Benedict XVI 117
265th Pope of the Catholic Church 1927Related quotes
Quoted in The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, by Jeanne Theoharis (2013)
November 22, 1981 at the Shrine of Merciful Love in Todi-Collevalenza, Italy
Source: The Divine Mercy http://thedivinemercy.org/message/johnpaul/quotes.php
Modernized rendition: I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty, or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive; I should fight for my liberty as long as my strength lasted, and when the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me.
The phrase "Liberty or Death" is a slogan made famous during the independence struggle of several countries.
1880s, Harriet, The Moses of Her People (1886)
“You have summoned me in my weakness. You must sustain me by your strength.”
Inaugural Address (4 March 1853).
“I have to forge my weapons according to the strength of the resistance.”
Argentina Audiotapes (1957)