Area Residents React To Pope's Resignation

Yesterday Pope Benedict XVI announced he will be stepping down as the worldwide head of the Catholic Church, a move no pope has made in more than 600 years in the faith.

Pope Benedict stated he was resigning because his age is prohibiting him from carrying out the daily duties of his position. On our Facebook page we asked Catholics in the Sachem community what they thought of the resignation and got some mixed responses.

RoseAnne G. Di Nubila had nothing but kind parting words for the pope, stating: "I feel he should do what is best for his health. God Bless Him, for putting his common sense first."

However Michele Favaro saw Pope Benedict's tenure at the Vatican a little differently, stating: "Good bye to a Pope who has done nothing but divide the Church and has done nothing to establish a connection with the members of the Church."

Others, such as Rosemarie T. Hayman, fear that the entire story may not yet have revealed itself. "I did not see this coming," she wrote. "I do think however, that we will learn more and more as the days go on. I pray that what is truly behind his Eminence's decision will not cause more scandal for my beloved Mother Church."

And Donna Lombardi Swiderski echoed those sentiments, stating: "I do hope his decision is based on his age and/or health and that there is no hidden agenda."

Already speculation has begun about who will replace him. Do you think the next Pope will be an American? Let us know in the comments section below.