SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) – The announcement of Pope Benedict’s resignation on Tuesday stunned the Catholic faithful, especially those in Salt Lake’s Hispanic community.
Jorge and Maritza Arce-Larreta have family ties in Peru, but they are a part of the strong base of Hispanic Catholics in the Salt Lake Valley.
“Well of course, the news came as a shock,” Maritza said.
Jorge said he understand why the pope is choosing to resign.
“I believe what he said,” Jorge said. “I believe it was an act of humility on his part to resign and to try to turn it over to someone younger.”
Salt Lake City’s Bishop John Wester said Pope Benedict strived to bring Christ’s love to the world.
“He’s given long and stellar service to the church,” Wester said. “He tried to unit the Catholic church. He tried to bring people together.”
The Arce-Larretas believe Pope Benedict’s legacy will be in his writings as he was a respected philosopher.
Although they are sad to see him resign, they look forward to seeing who the Cardinals will appoint next.
“We just hope the next pope is a Latin American pope,” Maritza said. “The strongest Catholics are in Central and South America.”
Pope Benedict’s resignation will be effective January 28.
