Roxanna Cruz, a devout Catholic, was saddened Monday morning when she learned that Pope Benedict XVI was resigning. Cruz said she met the Pope two summers ago during World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain. It was one of the highlights of her trip.

"We are losing a great Pope,"said Cruz  as she entered the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury for confession. "But at the same time, I'm impressed by the way he could discern what God was telling him to do: to step down." {image_1

Throughout Connecticut, Catholics reacted with shock and sadness to the Pope's stunning annoucement that he will be stepping down Feb. 28, a decision that marks the first time in six centuries that a pontiff has resigned.

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, an author and  EWTN Global Catholic Network host, said Pope Benedict's news evokes shock and sadness, but she believes Catholics must trust in God and remember that God is in control.

"Pope Benedict, I believe, was Divinely inspired to make this momentous decision. He doesn't take his role as Pope lightly," she said. "Our prayers during this upcoming Lenten season should be filled with hope, the gift that Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict so often offered the faithful in his writings and in his witness."

Mike LoRusso, of Waterbury, said he was stunned by the news and is fascinated to learn who will replace Pope Benedict .

"It will be interesting to see who they are considering to replace him," LoRusso said.

Many church leaders called on Catholics to unite in pray as cardinals gather to vote inside the Sistine Chapel, under Michelangelo's famous ceiling, to find the Pope's replacement. Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said the conclave is expected to vote  "within 10 to 15 days" after the Pope's resignation, meaning a new pope can be chosen by Easter.

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell  praised the Pope's leadership and the stamina he demonstrated during his tenure, and asked Catholics around the world to pray for those entrusted to find his replacement.

"We have all been amazed at the very demanding schedule that he has kept over these years, from early morning to late at night. In his trips around the world, we were particularly impressed by his countless celebrations of Masses and other ceremonies; we heard the major speeches his gave; and we participated in the meetings he held with world leaders and people of every neighborhood," Mansell stated in a press release.

In a statement, Carl Anderson, the Supreme Knight of the New Haven-based Knights of Columbus, wished the Pope, who he called "a good friend to the Knights of Columbus,"  well in his retirement. He said the organization will be praying for the cardinals who will take part in the conclave to find a successor.

Father Joseph Looney with the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem called the Pope a "first-rate intellectual whose legacy will be more and more appreciated as history goes on." Looney also praised the Pope for maintaining the Catholic's Church's stance on contraception.

"I praise him for advancing the teachings of the Church," Looney said.

Cruz said she'll always remember the Pope for bringing back traditions that had been lost in the Catholic Church such as the Latin Mass.

"It's just really sad that he is resigning," she said.