DENVER (AP) -- Denver's Roman Catholic archbishop says he's grateful for the service of Pope Benedict XVI and says his impact on the church will be felt for generations.

In response to the pope's decision to resign, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila on Monday praised the pope as a man of "keen intelligence, great strength, compassion and humility." He said the pontiff's life and work has borne incredible fruit and will continue to do so in his retirement. He asked all Christians and people of good will to lift their hearts in gratitude to God for the pope's ministry.

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