(FOX19) -
Caught off guard. That was the reaction of Catholic Church leaders after
hearing the news on Monday morning.
"It's not something that I was expecting, and I would suspect that most of the people in the Catholic Church weren't suspecting it either," said Bishop Joe Binzer of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati.
Pope Benedict XVI stunned the Roman Catholic Church on Monday after announcing
his resignation. The last pope to do so was in the year 1415.
"Since it's brand new, there's very little details knowing about what's happening and especially what's going to happen," said Barry Windholtz, Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains.
Although church leaders were saddened by the news, some expressed understanding.
"I know my body is not what it used to
be, so whatever age he is currently, obviously it's a big job with a lot of
responsibility," said Windoltz.
The Pope is 85-years-old and says his health is declining. Some say there was
talk this would happen, and commend him for making a humble decision.
Father William Fitzgerald, who served as the priest for the Diocese of Covington for
five years says although many saw the Pope's health decline, it was still a shock
to hear of his resignation.
Pope Benedict XVI held the position for 8 years, and although he will no
longer be the Bishop of Rome at the end of the month, church leaders say his
legacy will continue for a lifetime.
"He was a man who was deeply in love with the church and had the church's interest at heart," said Barry.
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