Father Matthew Gamber, Jesuit High School talks about the Pope stepping down.
Images of Pope Benedict XVI's last day as pontiff were watched in the Bay area and around the world on Thursday, giving followers the rare sight of a pope stepping down before more familiar tradition kicks in to choose a new leader.
Benedict, 85, announced earlier this month that he would resign, citing his advanced age. It has been hundreds of years since a pope stepped down instead of serving in that role until death.
"It's like a ‘wow' moment," said Vallida Garnica, coming out of mass at Sacred Heart Catholic church in downtown Tampa. Garnica said she had mixed emotions, including some of sadness to say goodbye to Pope Benedict. "It is also very exciting, like, ‘Oh my gosh, who's God going to have next to lead us?'" she said. "It's very exciting to me."
Father Matthew Gamber, who said he got up early to watch the day's events with other priests, described the day as "bittersweet." "There's a real sadness and yet sense of peace and a sense of trust that the Holy Father knows what he's doing," Garner said a few hours before the resignation took effect. "He's made this decision, he's executing it, so we know him and love him."
It will be up to the College of Cardinals now to choose a new pope, with those under age 80 casting secret ballots in a process that requires a two-thirds majority. Garner, who teaches theology at Jesuit High School, said he expects the balloting to take three or four days at the most.
Pope Benedict's goodbye brings mixed emotionsMore>>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:59 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:59:54 GMT
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing a pool company that was the subject of an 8 On Your Side investigation this spring. Numerous customers of Pompano Beach-based Nationwide Pools contacted 8
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing a pool company that was the subject of an 8 On Your Side investigation this spring.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:50:46 GMT
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to verify that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is currently working on one of hundreds of very ambiguous leads in the Jennifer Odom Homicide.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to verify that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is currently working on one of hundreds of very ambiguous leads in the Jennifer Odom Homicide.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:20:38 GMT
Three Bartow High School students are accused of breaking into the city middle and high school. Police said they began investigating a series of school burglaries on Monday. Investigators said the
Three Bartow High School students are accused of breaking into the city middle and high school. Police said they began investigating a series of school burglaries on Monday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:59 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:59:54 GMT
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing a pool company that was the subject of an 8 On Your Side investigation this spring. Numerous customers of Pompano Beach-based Nationwide Pools contacted 8
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is suing a pool company that was the subject of an 8 On Your Side investigation this spring.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:46:51 GMT
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire. Earlier this month the company refused
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire. Earlier this month the company refused
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:09:00 GMT
Fewer U.S. adults are smoking, a new government report says. Last year, about 18 percent of adults participating in a national health survey described themselves as current smokers.
Fewer U.S. adults are smoking, a new government report says. Last year, about 18 percent of adults participating in a national health survey described themselves as current smokers.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:50:46 GMT
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to verify that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is currently working on one of hundreds of very ambiguous leads in the Jennifer Odom Homicide.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to verify that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is currently working on one of hundreds of very ambiguous leads in the Jennifer Odom Homicide.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:17 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:17:54 GMT
A military widow wants to know why another woman's name is engraved on her husband's headstone. The woman discovered the mistake while visiting her husband's grave at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
A military widow wants to know why another woman's name is engraved on her husband's headstone. The woman discovered the mistake while visiting her husband's grave at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
Thursday, June 13 2013 6:24 PM EDT2013-06-13 22:24:36 GMT
Ambulances and helicopters took at least 30 people from a burning chemical plant after an explosion Thursday in Louisiana, officials said. Early tests did not indicate dangerous levels of any chemicals
Ambulances and helicopters took at least 30 people from a burning chemical plant after an explosion Thursday in Louisiana, officials said. Early tests did not indicate dangerous levels of any chemicals
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:19 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:19:20 GMT
Polk County Volunteer of the Year Corey "Ralph" Cowart will soon enjoy another special honor. The Tampa Bay Rays have invited the 30-year-old to throw out the first pitch at an upcoming home game.
Polk County Volunteer of the Year Corey "Ralph" Cowart will soon enjoy another special honor. The Tampa Bay Rays have invited the 30-year-old to throw out the first pitch at an upcoming home game.
Father Matthew Gamber, Jesuit High School talks about the Pope stepping down.
