The Vatican surprised Catholics around the world, including those at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, when it announced Monday that Pope Benedict XVI would resign at the end February 2013, the first time an active pope has resigned since 1415.
Benedict was elected in 2005 at the age of 78, but due to declining health and old age, the pope chose to step down from his current position. The cardinals are expected to announce the new pope during Easter mass.
UW-Madison sophomore and member of St. Paul’s University Catholic Center Austin Hietpas said he was surprised by the pope’s resignation, but said Benedict showed courage by doing what the pope felt was right.
“It’s a bit surprising because it’s unprecedented in this time,” Hietpas said. “I think Pope Benedict shows humility in the sense that he’s recognizing his health is not allowing him to fulfill his duties.”
Additionally, Austin Franke, a campus ministry trainee at St. Paul’s, said he was “saddened” by the pope’s decision to resign, but excited about the future of the church.
Vice President of Badger Catholic Sean McNally said the catholic student group was grateful for the pope’s service and that Benedict did a “fantastic job” continuing Pope John Paul II’s legacy.
“He was not the rock star that John Paul II was, he was more of a humble guy,” McNally said. “I think it’s inspiring to watch a man with such humility, who has the courage to step down from a position of such power when he feels he could no longer fulfill his duties.”
