Holzhauser hopes the next pope will do “as well as this one has in leading the people of God.”

 Stevens, pastor of Sacred Heart, said the announcement was startling “and a little sad.”

 Although he was surprised, Stevens remembers that when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became pope, he said he could possibly see a time when he might resign if he felt he could not fulfill his duties as pope.

 Stevens pointed out that Benedict is accepting the resignation of bishops who are required to retire at age 75. He’s also appointing bishops who are in their late 40s or 50s.

 Stevens says it takes a lot of courage and a lot of faith for a pope to retire.

 “I think it’s very gracious to be able to say, ‘I’ve done my time as your Holy Father, your Pope,’ ” Stevens said. Now it is time for Benedict to “rest, retire and prepare to meet God,” Stevens said.

 He noted that Catholics are about to begin Lent with one pope and finish Lent, on Easter Sunday, with another.

 Catholics are anxious to see whom the cardinals will elect, Stevens said. The new pontiff might be European, Asian or maybe even American, he said.