Popes resignation has youth talking

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The resignation of Pope Benedict was a topic of conversation at the annual Catholic Youth Convention in Buffalo on Sunday.

It was a huge annual gathering where 500 teens from 60 Catholic parishes in western New York gathered to strengthen their faith at the Diocesan Youth Convention.

The convention is timely with all that's been happening in the Catholic Church.

The kids who attended the gathering are all interested in who will become the next pope and what direction he will lead the church in.

Rachel Bailey, a parishioner at St. Vincent De Paul said, "I think there are so many young people nowadays who are in tune with their faith. And I know for me, I'm really in tune with my faith."

It has been 100 years since a pope has resigned.

Leaders at the Youth Convention believe Pope Benedict put the good of the church first. They call his resignation a humble act out of concern for the church.

Director of Youth Kathy Goller said, "I've heard a number of young people reflecting that same sentiment. They really see his love for the church and the fact he wants to put the church first. I think our young people see it as a wonderful reflection of what real leadership means."