South Windsor Residents Say Pope Benedict's Resignation 'Sensible,' 'Wise'

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.

"He was a brilliant man; he was the most brilliant pope we've ever had," said Father Daniel Sullivan of St. Margaret Mary Church in South Windsor.

Sullivan said that Pope Benedict could hold his own with any academic in the world, and that his decision to step down was consistent with his belief that the position was bigger than the man.

"He knew when he was done," Sullivan said. "This guy is too smart. He's not going to bring down the papacy when he's not capable of running the place."

Sullivan credited Benedict for the job he did during a particularly difficult time for the church, noting that people were leaving the church and recent pedophilia scandals worldwide.

"He was a great man," Sullivan said. "He never gave up."

Indeed, Sullivan said that the former Cardinal Ratzinger chose the name Benedict to bring non-practicing Catholics back to the church.

Archbishop Henry Mansell released the following statement on the resignation:

We voice our sentiments of gratitude, appreciation, respect, esteem and admiration for Pope Benedict XVI and his significant leadership as Pope since April 19, 2005. We have all been amazed at the very demanding schedule that he has kept over these years, from early morning to late at night. In his trips around the world, we were particularly impressed by his countless celebrations of Masses and other ceremonies; we heard the major speeches his gave; and we participated in the meetings he held with world leaders and people of every neighborhood.

Residents in South Windsor said that they were not surprised by the news of Benedict's resignation, stating that it was a smart move.

“I think he is a wise man to come to this conclusion, that it's time to step down,” wrote Nilofer Gisela. “Sensible.”

“Its good of him to realize he needs to step down,” Cathy Redfern Levesque said.

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.

Sullivan said that, though he was merely speculating, he would not be surprised if the next pope wasn't Italian.

"We could have a Spanish pope, or a South American pope or an African pope," Sullivan said.