Reaction to the news that Pope Benedict is resigning at the end of the month is pouring in from all four corners of the globe including here at home.
Bishop Albert Thevenot presides over the Prince Albert diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.
He says the news is surprising but at the same time he notes Benedict did say at the outset he might step down if his duties ever became too much for him.
Thevenot says this particular pope wrote a lot of interesting documents that were enlightening to read for people like himself.
He also says Benedict faced a lot of challenges during his short period of service.
“He had to carry some of the big burdens of the abuse scandals in the church and I think what has happened with his butler not that long ago has been a big burden for him and he has carried that very well with a lot of courage and a lot of faith.”
Thevenot adds there’s lot of speculation about potential candidates to succeed Benedict but it’s a very complicated picture right now.