The Vatican has been without a Pope for three days now and many Catholics can't help but wonder who the their next Pontiff will be. Even Central Texans are talking about their first Sunday without Pope Benedict XVI.
Even without a Pope, Sunday Mass goes on. But, there isn't a Hymn or prayer that goes by that Catholics, like Patricia Beseda, aren't thinking about their spiritual leader.
"I feel sad that he's left but I'm assured that we're going to have another Holy Pope named by the Cardinals," said Patricia.
But not every Catholic feels that same about Pope Benedict's retirement.
"I don't like it because we expect more of him," said Ira Rhamy.
"It's his decision and I respect that," said Salvador Lopez.
Churches usually have a picture of the Pope in their entrance way but until a new Pope is chosen, you may notice It's been replaced with the words "Sede Vacante."
"In other words the "Holy Seat is Vacant"," said Fr. Richard O'Rourke. "Sede Vacante is what we put in Latin and that's what we put up until we get our new pope and we put up his photograph there, " he said.
But who will be the next Pope? Every catholic has their own idea.
"Maybe like younger, a younger pope so he can do a lot of things," said Rhamy.
"A senior pope with experience and knowledge," said Lopez.
"They asked me is it going to be," said Fr. O'Rourke. "I have no idea, either have the Cardinals so they don't have an idea, I don't either."
But there is one thing that Patricia does know. "I know that he will be a person that will carry us into the future but remain steadfast with the laws of the church," she said. That's because she says the Holy Spirit will help the Cardinals make the right choice.
The College of the Cardinals meet Monday in Rome. They will enter the Conclave until a new Pope is elected.
