Pope Benedict XVI Resignation: 'That's a Surprise to Us All,' Local Priest Says

Pope Benedict XVI's announcement that he plans to retire at the end of the month came as a surprise for local Catholics.

The Pope, who is 85 and has had health issues, cited his advanced age as a reason he can no longer carry out his papal duties. He said he planned to retire by the end of the month.

Father Ken Glaser, director of campus ministry at the University of Northern Iowa's St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center, discussed local reaction to the announcement.

"That’s a surprise to all of us," he said. "This hasn’t happened in over 600 years. Nobody saw it coming."

The Pope is typically a role the person appointed keeps until death. Benedict would be the first Pope in six centuries to resign before death, according to the New York Times.

Pope Gregory XII resigned in 1415 to end the "Great Western Schism," a rift in which there were rival claims to the papal throne, according to CNN.

Benedict has been Pope since 2005. He succeeded John Paul II after his death.

Glaser said the role Benedict played after succeeding John Paul will be part of his legacy.

"Everybody thought he was going to come in and change the world, and he didn’t," Glaser said. "He was faithful to the Catholic doctrines and traditions and didn't turn the world upside down."

He said a question, beyond who will be chosen as the next Pope, is what role Benedict will now play.

"All the college kids are asking, 'What do you call an ex-Pope?'" he said. "It’s going to be an interesting time. What kind of influence will he have, once he resigns?"