Salisbury Church Reacts To Pope Benedict XVI Resignation - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SALISBURY, Md. - In some shocking news, Pope Benedict XVI is stepping down.

This is the first time a pope resigned in nearly 600 years. Benedict XVI was elected back in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II.

But the pastor at St. Francis de Sales tells WMDT that he will be remembered as a traditional pope who tried to give some balance and stability to churches world wide.

"This will be a surprise, maybe even a shock," said Fr. Edward Aigner. "But once again, we start increasing our prayers so that the Holy Spirit God will guide the Cardinals in deciding who the next pope is going to be."

Earlier this morning, Benedict XVI told the Cardinals of the Catholic Church he's resigning "because of advanced age."