Local Catholics React to Pope's Resignation

2/11/2013 (Updated 11:15:10 PM)

Many of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics were shocked at Pope Benedict's resignation this morning, including those in the Southern Tier.

The 85-year-old pope says he no longer has the physical strength for the job.

"We really believe it is a courageous decision, it was difficult to make, it's contrary to historical prospective to the office," said Principal of Seton Catholic Central Richard Bucci.

At Saint James School in Johnson City Father John Donovan spoke with some of the younger students about what this would mean going forward?

"They wanted to know where the Pope might come from, who he might be, would he be American. They were actually quite thoughtful about their questions in terms of trying to see the church beyond their own personal experience," said Paster of Saint James Church, Father John Donovan.

"This is a historical event, a lot of times whether it's government, sports, theology, or religion, how often do we get to live through a real historical event, which it is," said Richard Bucci.

So what  is the legacy of Pope Benedict The 16th?

"I think just by the choice of his name Benedict, following Benedict the 15th, he really looked to bring factions of the church, the world together," said Father John Donovan.