Pope's Resignation Shocks Local Church Leaders

The Vatican’s announcement that Pope Benedict XVI will resign due to declining health - the first pontiff to do so in 600 years according to the Associated Press – came as quite a shock to local Catholic church leaders who spent Monday absorbing the news.

Father James Teti of Paramus' Church of the Annunciation said Monday he was still trying to come to grips with it but overall he respects the Pope’s decision. 

“I have to respect Pope Benedict’s judgement, his own internal reflection and prayer that led him to come to this determination that he no longer has the physical strength to continue in this ministry,” said Teti.

“The greatest thing anyone can do is pray for the cardinals as they take on the responsibility of choosing a successor,” he advised.

The 85-year old Pope announced his decision at a meeting with cardinals at the Vatican early Monday, the Associated Press reported. 

Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark said in a statement Monday the announcement was met wth surprise "but also left us with sentiments of a certain sadness and of deep gratitude." Myers wrote the Pope's decision "clearly reflects his love for the Lord and for the Church."

"We pray for him as he completes his service as Pope and begins a life of meditation and prayer for the Church and for the world," added Myers.