Liz Burke, WPRO News

Hundreds of people packed the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul in Providence for a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Benedict.

“I think people have really grown to have a lot of respect and love and affection for Pope Benedict. He’s a wonderful, simple, humble Holy man. Many people have grown to know him and to love him and I sense that that’s growing now even with his retirement,” says Bishop Tobin.

Bishop Tobin says this is the first time a Pope has resigned in over 600 years.

“It’s a historic moment. I know not everyone can go to Rome but people can be here and can share in it that way. From a historical point of view and a spiritual point of view this is very significant,” says Bishop Tobin

People from all parts of Rhode Island came out in honor of the Pope. Many of them say that it’s a bitter sweet moment.

“I feel sad in a way, but I’m sure he has his reasons and we believe that what he says is truth. But he will always be with us anyway,” says Maria Clark from Cranston.

“I thought it was beautiful. It’s a fitting send off to a humble man and a man who preached the faith, we both love him very much and we’re happy to be here,” says Phillip Primeau who attended the Mass with his wife Rebecca.  

In his message, Bishop Tobin said that Pope Benedict was very dedicated to the church and has sacrificed a lot during all his years as a man of God.