Local reactions to pope's resignation

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - At the Basilica of St. Mary in Norfolk, catholics have mixed views on the Pope's decision to resign.

LaBarbara Cuffee heard about it on the morning news.

"I can fully understand where he's going to be hesitant about making decisions that's going to be international decisions and everybody in the church is going to be affected by it," Cuffee said.

"I have the greatest respect for the Pope and I feel he would know when it was time for him to retire. He would know," Pat Blackwell said. " I saw pictures of him in the newspaper when he was in in Cuba and I though then he just doesn't look well. he simply doesn't look well. I'm not surprised to hear it."

Basilica Parishioner Bill Carr said he was somewhat shocked.

"I'm in a little disbelief because I've never lived where a Pope has resigned," Carr said. "They've always died at their position. It's an unusual situation."