NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. (AP) — Roman Catholics in Pennsylvania are speculating about who will succeed Pope Benedict XVI, and some say they'd like to see a younger person as their spiritual leader.
At St. Theresa's Church in New Cumberland, near Harrisburg, parish manager Elaine Herald said Monday that Benedict's retirement could open the door for a younger, progressive pope, perhaps a black person, who will lead efforts to rebuild membership.
She says the church needs to change relatively minor rules that are driving members away.
Next door at St. Theresa's School, which includes students in kindergarten through eighth grade, Principal Matt Shore says Benedict deserves credit for recognizing the limitation of his age and stepping aside.
Shore says he hopes Benedict will have input in the selection of his successor.
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