Weston Parishioners Wonder Who Next Pope Will Be

Church officials in Weston say parishioners at St. Julia Church are wondering who will replace Pope Benedict XVI in the wake of news this week the pope is resigning his papacy.

The Rev. George Evans says he does not know who will become the next pope, however the last two popes have been from countries outside of Italy, after years of Italian popes.

“The door has been opened for non-Italians,” Rev. Evans said.

Whoever is the next pope, Rev. Evans said, will keep a strong papal tradition alive.

“Papacy is more than the individual pope holding office,” he said. “The grace of the office will continue on.”

Nonetheless, Rev. Evans said Weston parisioners' reaction to the news has largely been wonder over who the next pope will be. 

Rev. Evans said he was startled by the news of Pope Benedict’s resignation, as a pope has not stepped down in around 600 years. However, he said he admires the pope’s “humility and realism.” 

What do you think of the pope's resignation announcement? Who do you think will be the next pope? Tell us in the comments.