After almost eight years as head of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI has resigned his post. Millions across the globe commemorated his resignation Thursday, including Catholic churches across the Grand Strand.
St. Andrew Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach held a special mass of thanksgiving Thursday for Pope Benedict.
Parishioners filled the isles to pay tribute to the pontiff. Many of those in attendance say they're shocked at the popes resignation, and that they are anxiously awaiting the news of his successor.
"I think he needs to be a bit younger than the present Holy Father. When he was elected he was 78. I think a younger cardinal and a healthy one needs to be elected" said Cecilia McCaughey.
Father Mark Good presided over the mass and says not only did Pope Benedict set a precedence for other popes resigning in their advanced age, but says he also set the tone for future popes in how they handle a more technological world.
"He also started getting on twitter and the internet. I think that's also setting a precedence for how the next pope will interact with the world" said Good."
The worlds attention now goes to who will replace the pontiff.
