Local Reaction to Pope Resignation

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Created on Tuesday, 12 February 2013 17:00
Written by Mario Viola

popeST. JOHNSBURY - Yesterday the Catholic Church received the news that for the first time in 600 years, Pope Benedict the XVI has stepped down from his position.

The last Pope to resign was Pope Gregory the XII in 1415.

Even though Rome is 4059 miles away from the Northeast Kingdom, local churches are understanding the impact of Benedict's decision. "I was coming out of the chapel upstairs and the pastor came out of his roll and said something. He said, oh by the way the pope is retiring, and I thought he was joking," said Father Luke Austin of Saint John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury.
Although it has been reported that there is no medical reason for the pope to step down, only that his physical condition is not to the point of where it used to be. Austin believes it is for personal reasons than anything else.

 "Yes, he is decreasing in physical strength a little bit but there was nothing obvious for him to retire, so I guess this is a personal decision," said Austin. Father Austin also added that he does not believe that there was a disagreement in the church that would sway Benedict's decision. "I think if there were then he would have to say, well I'm not free to make this decision to step down," said Austin. Whatever reasoning Pope Benedict XXVI has to step down it is clear the Catholic Church hopes to have a new pope elected for Easter Sunday.