Local Catholics Share Feelings on Pope Benedict XVI's Final Sunday Blessing
By: Alexandra Sutter WMBD/WYZZ
Updated: February 24, 2013
Sunday morning marked the last blessing
led by Pope Benedict XVI. The 85-year-old announced earlier this month he would
retire due to his declining health.
Peoria Bishop Daniel Jenky said Pope
Benedict XVI has done wonderful things for the Catholic faith and it's hard to
see him step down. Jenky said, "He's done a lot. So I feel sadness. But I saw
him a year ago in person and he was showing his years."
Jenky said the process of finding a
replacement has already begun. He said the Cardinals are getting together to
determine who's the next in line. "There is no such thing as campaigning. They
have conversations and they pray a lot that the Holy Spirit will guide them."
Parishioners at Saint Mary's Catholic
Church in Peoria said they're filled with mix emotions. While they said the
change may be good, it's hard to say goodbye to their Supreme Pontiff.
Sal Lococo said, "I pray for his
health. I pray for the rest of his life. I also pray for the church that the
church actually responds to this challenge to have a continuation of
leadership."
Isaac Holterman said, "I really want a
young Pope or maybe a Pope from a different country that we've never had
before. Because we've always had a European Pope so I think it'd be good to
have an American Pope or an African Pope."
Thomas Aguliar said, "I'm kind of excited
to see what comes next, what's the next step."
Bishop Jenky said the church hopes to have a new Pope before the Holy Week, which begins on March 25. He said he is leading a service this Thursday in honor of the Pope's final day. He's inviting members of the clergy and faith to join him in prayer.
