Bishop David Kagan Reacts To Pope's Resignation - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Pope Benedict the sixteenth announces today he's resigning.

Benedict has served as Pope for the last seven years and is the first Pope to step down in six centuries.

Tonight Bishop David Kagan shares his thoughts about Benedict's announcement, and tells us about the two times he's met the Holy Father.

<<"My initial reaction was I guess was a little more surprised it was more like startled," Bishop David Kagan said.

Bishop David Kagan, like many Christians across the world, is shocked by Pope Benedict the sixteenths announcement.

Kagan knows the responsibilities of being Pope can be difficult, and says it was very brave of him to step down.

"I very definitely think it's a courageous act, I mean nobody in that position wants to just very easily give it up," Kagan said.

Benedict, who is currently 85, was one of the oldest men elected Pope in history.

"He was 78 years old when he was elected and there had not been a man that old elected pope before him in 275 years," Kagan said.

Bishop Kagan has had the opportunity to meet the Pope, and even had a face to face conversation with him.

"When you meet the Holy Father he has a tremendous ability to give you his undivided attention, and he's a very soft spoken person, it's just very pleasant to carry on a conversation with him," Kagan said.

Kagan says being Pope is a rigorous and active life, and he knows the Holy Father spent a lot of time praying and meditating about his decision.

"I'll miss him greatly, but he will continue to pray for us all and God the Holy Spirit will guide the cardinals to elect our next Pope," Kagan said.

The Vatican says they're optimistic a new Pope will be elected in time for Easter.>>

Pope Benedict the sixteenth will serve as Pope until February 28th.