For the first time in 600 years, the pope is resigning.
On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI shocked the Catholic community with announcement. He said that he no longer has the strength of mind and body necessary to fulfill his duties.
Father Michael Kesicki, of Gannon University, said that believes Pope Benedict is setting a good example by resigning.
Father Kesicki also said that there is a lot of speculation on who will be Pope Benedict's successor might be, but right now no one knows for sure, but he doesn't suspect it will take long to name one.
"They typically take 15-20 days after the death of the Pope, that includes a 9-day mourning period," said Father Kesicki. "That won't happen, so there's a high likelihood that this could start earlier than two weeks."
Pope Benedict will remain the pope until February 28 at 8:00 PM Rome time.
Father Kesicki says Pope Benedict will go to a life of prayer, and be known as Bishop Emeritus of Rome.
His successor is expected to be named before Easter.