Reaction to Pope`s Resignation | Video

Van Tieu | 2/11/2013

As Pope Benedict XVI made his historic resignation announcement, 20 University of Mary students studying abroad in Rome realized they had a front row seat to history unfolding.

"It`s crazy feeling," said sophomore Carmen Titus, who is there until May.

She and campus director Tom Schulzetenberg spoke to us via SKYPE.

"Most people only see one Pope through their entire life, maybe two. Here I get to see one resign, and one get elected. I mean, I think it`s awesome," she said.

"For many of the students here just to study, and now witness this, such an event is a double blessing," said Schulzetenberg.

Back home in Bismarck, Bishop Kagan had kind words to say about the Pope. "I have a great fondness for Pope Benedict XVI. He is a tremendous teacher of the faith."

Pope Benedict named Kagan the Bishop of the Bismarck diocese in 2011, a special connection he holds dear. As Catholics in the community make sense of this nearly unprecedented event, Kagan says he`s hopeful.

"I think they will understand that the reasons he gave for his resignation are serious reasons and they`ll certainly pray for him. We`ll begin praying now that God will inspire the College of Cardinals to choose an equally worthy and capable successor."

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