Shockwaves ran through the Catholic church Monday as Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation. The pontiff said he can't properly perform his duties because of his advanced age and declining health.

The last pope to voluntarily step down was Pope Gregory XII. He resigned in 1415.

Benedict's resignation goes into effect Feb. 28 and after that a conclave of cardinals younger than age 80 will vote for his replacement. That includes four cardinals with ties to Pennsylvania. A Vatican spokesperson said that process starts March 1 and it's expected a new pope will be installed by Easter, which is March 31.

Around the world Monday, "shock" was the word used by many to describe the feelings when Benedict announced his resignation. But he said two years ago that it is a disservice to the 1.2 billion Catholics to serve when a pope doesn't have the strength to perform his duties.

The Vatican said the pope will retire to a spiritual life in a monastery in the Vatican. Since there is no precedent in modern times for a pope's resignation, there are still many questions about what's next. But for now local parishioners and church leaders are left to react to the news, many said they didn't see coming.

"I'm in shock, I really am," said Father Anthony Francis of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the West End. "They say that we should have a new pope by Easter. (That's very hard to believe.)"

In a statement, Benedict said today's rapidly changing world requires the strength of mind and body, both of which he said "has deteriorated to the extent that (he's) recognized (his) incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to (him.)"

"I respect that. If he thinks he's not capable of his duties anymore, it's time for him," said RoseAnne DeCoske, a Catholic follower. "That's a good choice."

The resignation of a pope is almost unheard of in the Catholic faith. The last time it happened was in the 1400s. But local church officials said a resignation is not  necessarily frowned upon.

"He's not doing anything that's against church teaching. He has the right to be able to resign," said Father Joe Lehman, a priest at St. Francis University in Loretto. "It's just tradition that for 600 years no pope has ever resigned. It's basically until they die that they remain the pope, so yes, he's certainly going against tradition."

"This is so unusual for us. It just has not happened in our lifetime," said Francis. "This is history in the making."

Church leaders said it's just too soon to speculate what title Benedict will go by from here on out. It's unclear if he'll continue to hold the title of pope in some capacity or if will he simply go back to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

The pope's resignation surprised some of those who know him best. The 6 News Washington newsroom talked to Cardinal Donald Wuerl Monday, who met with the pope in Rome late last year. He said the pontiff now uses a cane, but otherwise seemed healthy and mentally sharp.
He said the resignation was "a sign of great humility," and recognition by the pope that he no longer has the stamina to meet the modern demands of the job.

Wuerl is among 118 cardinals who will meet to select a new pope. The cardinals are going to have to weigh experience and the need for a certain level of energy.