Today, the Pope becomes the first pontiff to retire in almost 600 years.

At 1 p.m. Central time today, the 85 year old Benedict’s retirement will become official and the papal seat will stand vacant.

Catholic Churches in Hays are not officially conducting any special services to mark Benedict’s final day in office. Father Daryl at St. Nicholas told Hays Post that he had nothing special planned. The office at St. Joseph Church told Hays Post, ” the Bishop had invited the Diocese to pray and had sent out a prayer.”  Hays Post did speak with the Bishop, the Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger. He told Hays Post,

“I am celebrating a mass on Friday at noon in Salina’s Cathedral to recognize the Pope’s departure and I do want to invite everyone to pray for the Holy Father in this time of transition.”