ROCKFORD – Bishop David J. Malloy of the Diocese of Rockford issued a statement on Benedict XVI’s last day as pope:

“We pray in a very special way today for the great service and love given to us and the entire Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI. Our prayers will go with him as he enters a new life of service to the church in prayer and meditation.

“And today we add to that prayer, our prayers for the Cardinals as they set about, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, choosing our next successor to St. Peter the Apostle.