After seeing news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on Facebook, music graduate student Betsy Danner said the wording of the news was vague and she thought he had died.

“I thought, ‘Ah! We are losing our Papa,’” she said.

When she realized he was only resigning, she said she was relieved.

Benedict announced Monday that Feb. 28 would be the last day of his papacy, saying he lacked the physical and mental strength to continue the work required.

Danner said since he is old and has a difficult job, she understands why the pope would choose to resign.

“It’s good of him to know his limits,” she said.

Jennifer Vogt, a junior special education major, said she was shocked when she heard of the pontiff’s resignation. She said she was not disappointed, just that the news was unexpected.

Like Vogt, Jon Dastych, a senior elementary education major, said he was surprised when he heard the news.

“He’s a pretty important guy,” Dastych said. “Not just to my religion, but around the world.”

Dastych said as the leader of his religion, the pope helps guide the members of the Roman Catholic Church in both belief and law.

Danner said the pope is not a ruler, as many people think, but acts more as a shepherd or servant to the members of the Catholic Church.

She said the pope is bishop of Rome and members the Catholic Church believe what he says is infallible. Danner said this does not mean that he is never wrong, but that God and the Holy Spirit inspire what he says.

After his resignation, Danner said she thinks Benedict will lead a quiet life.

“I think he’ll write a lot because that’s what he likes to do,” She said. “And of course he’ll pray, so he will essentially be living the life of a monk.”

Dastych said he will be following the selection process for the new pope very closely.

“I would hope that a new pope tries to hold on to traditional values,” he said. “While still understanding the 21st century.”

Danner said she hopes not much changes with the next pope.

“I would like a pope just like the last two,” she said. “They were awesome. I loved them.”

Seth Schroeder can be reached at 581-2812 [email protected].