HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y. -- The local representative for Cardinal Dolan in the Hudson Valley reacts to Monday's news.

Father George Hommel says that after stepping down, Pope Benedict will go to the Italian coast for prayer and meditation. He says he will then return to the Vatican City to receive guests. However, Hommel says the rules have changed since the last time a Pope stepped down 600 years ago.

"In those days, 'lock em up, so he doesn't come back, but no, he'll probably live there, receive guests, but, no he's not the pope any longer," Hommel said. "He's got a tough body, but let's say sharp mind, who knew when to step down for the church and that's what he did for the sake of the church."

Hommel says that he saw Pope Benedict's endurance first hand while attending the last "World Youth Day" in Australia together.