“Surprised,” was the comment from Father Jeff, who spoke to Hays Post this morning before 7 a.m mass at St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria on the big news from the Vatican.

Before the end of the month a conclave of Cardinals will elect a new leader for the Catholic Church- Pope Benedict XVI announced today that he would resign on Feb. 28 because he was simply too infirm to carry on – the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years.

Father Jeff also said that there is only “speculation” on just who would replace the 85 year old pontiff.

Benedict announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals this morning.  Check back to Hays Post and stay tuned to Eagle Radio for more reaction and details