Earlier this week Pope Benedict XVI resigned his position as leader of the Catholic Church. Benedict was the first Pope to leave the position in this manner in 600 years. Father Troy Richmond of St. James Catholic Church in Washington spoke with KCII news regarding the story. Richmond says that the news was extremely surprising however Benedict had said when he took the position that if he found himself unable to continue fulfilling the responsibilities due to health reasons he would move aside.

As far as potential candidates Richmond says there are several African Cardinals who seem to be popular as well as Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York, though Richmond feel that the chances of ever having a Pope from the United States are slim. The selection process for the new leader of the Catholic Church will begin sometime in the next three weeks.