Tim Keenan | The Michigan Catholic

DETROIT — Reaction to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation among the Archdiocese of Detroit’s faithful mirrored that of people throughout the world. There was shock, surprise, sadness and even a healthy dose of “can he even do that?”

Most, however, spoke of their gratefulness for the Holy Father’s years of dedicated service and their hope for the future of the Church with a new, younger pope.

“I was shocked and surprised,” said Jeffrey Bourque, a member of St. Damian Parish in Westland. “I had to sit down and think, ‘was that allowed?’ The news media answered that for me rather quickly. I thought of his efforts to strengthen and repair relations with other religions, most notably Judaism and Islam, and felt sadness that he does not have the strength to continue.

“I, for one, was very pleased with his efforts to bring traditionalism back to the Church, as well as clear thought and direction,” Bourque said. “I wish our Holy Father rest in his time remaining on earth.”

Dave Warren, director of music ministries at St. Mary Queen of Creation in New Baltimore, also was surprised when he heard the news. “I found myself searching the cable news networks and the Internet to learn as much as I could about what was happening,” he explained. “At first I was fearful about what might happen to our Church. But as I learned more, I began to calm, and came to appreciate the wisdom of the pope facing the reality of his own personal limitations and balancing that with the heavy demands of his office and a Church that needs strong leadership and direction.”

Jeff Campbell and Roberto Garcia focused on the decision itself. “The pope and his doctors are in the best position to assess the situation,” said Campbell, a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth. “We have to trust his judgment and believe that what he has done is in the best interest of the Church. We are seeing history in the making, and it will be very interesting to watch the whole scenario play out.”

Garcia, who belongs to St. Anne in Warren, said, “I was startled by the news, but after I read his statement on why and how he came to this decision, I felt more at ease. If he believes that this is the best path forward for the Church, then who am I to disagree? This is an extraordinary event. I don’t believe this will become the norm for future pontiffs. The Church will continue as it always has.”

Almost as surprising as the pope’s announcement is the sense of excitement from the faithful about the future of the Church with a new leader.

“Soon I was overcome with excitement for what lay ahead for Holy Mother Church,” Warren said. “Excitement about who will be the next pope. Perhaps it will be someone with the gentleness of Blessed John Paul II, with the wisdom of Pope Benedict XVI, and the purpose of Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta who walked the streets with the people and saw the face of Jesus in everyone she touched and helped. May the Holy Spirit guide us through the awesomeness of these next few weeks.”

Tom Klopp, owner of G.A. Fuchs Church Supply in Madison Heights and A. Mateja Church Supply in Garden City, also is excited about the future.

“What a great opportunity to see our Church in such positive motion,” Klopp said. “It is so driven by the Holy Spirit. It is awesome that we will be able to see a new pope picked as the other sits and takes it all in. The last time this happened 600 years ago, there were no global communications. This will give us such an opportunity to shine in front of the whole world, and shine we will. I love the conclave and all the hoopla that surrounds it.”

St. Clair Shores’ St. Joan of Arc Parish Music Minister John Perna was another Catholic who wasn’t sure popes could resign. “I admire Pope Benedict,” he said. “I think he is setting a good precedent by stepping down and letting the Spirit guide the Church.”