As Pope Benedict XVI resigned his papacy last Thursday, the process to select a new pope begins.

Father Don Ries of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jefferson wasn’t surprised by Pope Benedict’s decision to step down.  He says that since his health wasn’t in good standing, that he made a wise choice to step down and he is an example to people that if you can’t carry on the responsibilities that you are given, then its time to step aside.

“It would have a positive effect on a lot of people who think that they’re maybe indispensable or they should carry on beyond their ability.  It would be an encouragement for them to go ahead and step down.”

Father Ries will be going on his seventh pope in his lifetime and that the selection process can vary every time.

Father Ries states that the conclave of Cardinals is made up of around 120 Cardinals, all under 80-years old gather together within 15 days of Pope Benedict’s retirement to make a decision of the next Pope.  He comments that the Cardinals get to make four votes per day and he believes that by next week, a new pope will be selected.