Local Catholics "Shocked" by Pope's Resignation
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: February 11, 2013
PEORIA - Many area Catholics
say they are surprised the pope is stepping down.
The news quickly hit
home for Catholics all across the world, including Dan White of Peoria.
He heard the news while
getting ready to serve a Sophia's Kitchen, a Catholic soup kitchen in Peoria. He's
surprised, but thinks it could be a good thing in the long run.
"You know he had some
big shoes to fill and at this point in time right now, the Catholic church as
well as the rest of the world is under a lot of pressure and they need a very
strong figure head to lead us through troubled times," he said.
A papal resignation has
never been seen in our lifetime. Nearly 600 years has passed since a pope last
resigned.
Bishop Daniel Jenky, of
the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, met the pope on several occasions. In a written
statement he said "the resignation of Pope Benedict will be a great loss."
Others agree.
"This is huge," said
Deacon Bob Sondag. "The world is watching and the world is wondering, but the
beauty is there's a bit of hope."
While reflecting on
Benedict's legacy, some say he will be remembered for his humility and response
during the Catholic sex abuse scandal.
"He cried with the
people and for the people that were victimized. And so he's been a great pope
and he's a good example of humility and compassion," said resident Donna
Nelson.
Benedict's replacement
may come for some time. A committee will come together soon to start the
process of finding his successor. Many Catholics are hopeful that their next
leader is chosen wisely. One person, who would like to remain unnamed, said she
would like to the next pope to be energetic and charismatic.
White says he would
like someone similar to Benedict's popular predecessor, John Paul II.
Bishop Jenky is asking
for Catholics and people around the world to pray for the pope's health and for
the future of the church.
