Benedict XVI's tenure as Pope has come to an end.
Benedict, now Pope Emeritus, waved to a crowd gathered in the Vatican courtyard before leaving his home for the past eight years.
He left Vatican City by Helicopter just after five o clock local time for the Papal summer residence.
It was a difficult moment for many Catholics. The Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese held a mass of Thanksgiving Thursday afternoon, celebrating the Papal service of Pope Benedict.
"There's a certain sadness to the Holy Father retiring because we view the Holy Father as a Spiritual Father, so there's a family relationship," said Bishop Paul J. Swain with the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls.
For the hundreds gathered at St. Joseph's Cathedral Thursday, there was a feeling of grief.
Over the past 600 years, the loss of a Pope has meant a death in the church; however, Bishop Swain and other local parishioners say they are very understanding of Benedict's reason for resigning and came to mass to celebrate his service to the Catholic Church.
They hope the next Pope will continue the legacy Benedict began.
"Somebody in continuity with the Popes we've had to this point, Benedict, John Paul the 2nd before him, somebody who people look to and respect and admire no matter what they may think about their views," said Chris Burgwald with the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese.
The Conclave to elect a new Pope will begin next month at the Vatican. While local Catholics are anxious to have a new Pope, they hope the Cardinals in charge of the election will take time for prayer and direction before selecting Benedict's replacement.
