Twinsburg Catholics React To Pope Benedict XVI's Resignation

We are only human. Even the Pope.

After Pope Benedict XVI announced early Monday that he was resigning from the papacy -- the first pope to resign in 600 years -- Catholics around the world expressed shock at such an unprecedented decision.

Twinsburg Catholics feel no different.

Father Clyde Foster of Ss Cosmas and Damian Parish in Twinsburg said that he's been hearing similar sentiments from parishners at the Ravenna Road church.

But Foster said that Benedict's decision illuminates the truth of the Catholic Church: It is led by imperfect men, and the ministry must go on.

"All of us in the church, even the Bishop of Rome, are subject to the demands of putting the ministry first," Foster said. "When our capabilities are no longer sufficient, we have to have the faith and humility to say: 'I can’t do it anymore.' "

"What Benedict has done is put the ministry first," Foster added. "I think it’s a marvelous statement of faith that even the Bishop of Rome is subject to the same weaknesses as we all are."

Foster said the Catholic Church is entering an exciting and transformative time. While speculating on who the next pope may be is a futile exercise, Foster said there is a chance the new pope may come from somewhere besides Europe.

That would mark a great transformation in the Church, Foster said.

"Maybe we’ve overlooked and not utilized the gifts God has given to all of the cultures of the world," Foster said. "We might be moving to a new era of the church where we pay more attention to the worldwide church."