NM Catholics react to pope resigning

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Catholics in New Mexico say while they were surprised Pope Benedict was resigning, they thought it was a good decision.
    
Many say it's good the pope realized his limits.

“I was surprised and pleasantly surprised,” Catholic Parishioner Steve Hay said.
    
Catholics everywhere were reacting Monday after Pope Benedict the 16th announced he's leaving.
      
At Immaculate Conception downtown, people were surprised, but supportive.

“But personally for myself it's not sad. I think he's served his purpose and he was a good man,” Catholic Parishioner Sister Angeline Walczk said.

“He realized his limitations and he feels he's doing this for the betterment of the church and mankind,” Hay said.

Although the resignation is rare, one person said today's world is a lot different than hundreds of years ago.

“He felt that he needed to do his job. It meant a lot of travel and communication that maybe he couldn't accept at this time,” Catholic Parishioner Herman Baca said.
    
Father Rafael Garcia talked to his congregation Monday about the news.

“The pope is a human being also and often I think in the Catholic Church we think that just because you’re a bishop or a pope or even a priest that somehow your above humanity,” Father Garcia said.
   
And, how will people remember the pope as the leader of the Catholic Church?

“He has been involved in some issues that at times have been controversial. I think most people will recognize that he spent more time on the conservative traditional side of things,” Father Garcia said.

“He’s a very intelligent man who could see the big picture...the world and not just Europe,” Hay said.
  
Some parishioners say they were heartbroken about the news.
    
The announcement sets the stage for a conclave to begin in March.
    
That's when cardinals meet in private at the Vatican to choose a new pope.