People in Bronxville, Tuckahoe and Eastchester are speaking out about the Pope resigning in our comments section. Here is what they are saying:
Melina: It's sad, but we can be grateful for as long as we got to have him as our Shepard. He will be missed. I pray that his suffering ends. Pray for him. Thank you God for having him lead us.
Joe: I think it says something about the Pope. He's a man who is more concerned about his responsibilities than hanging on to power til the end. I have heard stories about the possibility on Cardinal Dolan being the 1st American Pope. I think that would be wonderful!
Tell us what you think about the Pope stepping down by clicking on the comment button or email our editor at Chris.McHugh@Patch.com.
Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday morning that he will resign, effective Feb. 28, according to the Associated Press.
CNN reported that a spokesman for the pope did not give a reason for the decision, announced during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, but according to the AP, the 85-year-old pontiff cited his "advanced age and diminishing strength."
The decision makes Benedict the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, according to the AP report.
Born Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI was chosen in 2005 to succeed the late Pope John Paul II.
The Vatican could hold a conclave to elect a new pope by mid-March, according to the AP .
