Video for Channel 6 Indianapolis

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INDIANAPOLIS - Current events took over discussion in a Cathedral High Old Testament Class Monday, as students were curious why after only eight years Pope Benedict XVI is resigning.

Instructor Quanah Jeffries grew up under Pope John Paul II but has developed a special connection in recent years with the current Pontiff.

"There was just something about the look on his face, the look in his eyes that just really struck me," Jeffries said.

When the Pope accepted the election in 2005 at the age of 78, some in the Catholic Church speculated his health would not allow him to be long at the helm.

The news did not come as a complete surprise to Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin.

"As you are aware I served in Rome until late November of last year, and I could see the physical deterioration of the Pope's health, especially in his walking," Tobin said.

The archbishop is calling on the nearly 240,000 Catholics in the Diocese to pray for the Cardinals who are already convening to elect a new leader.

"Join us in prayer not only for the successor, but also for our holy father Pope Benedict XVI," he said.

The archbishop said no one knows for sure how long the cardinals will convene, but many expect a decision to be made before Easter.