By: Jillian Wilson
jwilson@cbs4qc.com
Even though we are almost five thousand miles from the Vatican, the Pope's decision is hitting home for many Quad Citians.
Local Catholics say it was a bold decision for the pope to step down, but it's a change the catholic church is ready for.
"I think it is time for new leadership," says Sarah Van Vooren from Davenport.
"It takes a lot of courage I would say to step down as pope considering it hasn't been done for almost 600 years," says Ryan Erickson, St. Pius Parishioner.
It's a decision local priests say is necessary.
"Anyone in leadership in the church today is taking on much more pressure and dealing with much more complex situations than before," says Father Mike Schaab, Priest at St. Pius.
In an age where the Pope tweets and gay marriage is growing to be accepted, Pope Benedict has challenges unlike any pope before him.
"We're not in the fifties, we're not in the 1800's anymore. I think it is time for maybe priests to be wed. There needs to be more acceptance in my opinion within the gay community in the catholic church. I think it's time for a new direction," says Van Vooren, who studied in Rome.
Even though Pope Benedict is the first pope to step down in hundreds of years, Quad Citians say they respect his decision.
After all, he was the oldest pope ever to be elected.
"I don't think he would make that decision lightly that is a pretty important office," says Dan Fennesy, a Catholic from Moline.
Local priests say the new pope will have to redefine the position.
Young Catholics say they're excited for the future…A future they guess might involve more tweeting.
"I believe with a younger pope, hopefully stepping up there will be a lot more understanding that technology will be a playing a part within the catholic church and the Vatican," says Van Vooren.
On Monday, the cardinals will meet in Vatican City to figure out when they are going to elect a new pope.
