On Feb. 11, Pope Benedict XVI announced he would resign the papacy. The unprecedented move raised discussion of Benedict’s health, which he claimed as his reason of resignation, who the next pope will be, and the scandals currently facing the Catholic Church.
Three Lafayette residents, Bishop Michael Jarrell, UL History Professor Sara Ritchey and Trey Petitjean, a 23-year-old member of UL Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajun Catholics, gave varying reactions regarding the resignation and their views on the legacy he will leave behind.
Since Benedict’s resignation on Feb. 28, the 207-member College of Cardinals has begun meeting to choose the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. Report by Jared Perrio.