DAYTON -- UD professor of faith and culture Miguel Diaz served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican from 2009-2012.
"I did notice his energy, It was difficult for him to engage in this kind of activity," Diaz said.
Pope Benedict XVI is the first to step down in 600 years. Professor Diaz says this moment really humanizes the Catholic faith.
"It is an example for not only future popes but all of our leaders," he added.
Professor Diaz says a conclave will meet sometime next week to discuss the possible candidates and that within 2 or 3 weeks we should have a new pope.
But the process actually starts earlier. Friday, Professor Diaz will meet with leaders from around the world in Washington to explore characteristics of the next pope.
"I don't really have any expectations for that," said UD catholic student Emmy Hernandez. "I just hope when they decide on the Pope it all comes to a mutual agreement that everyone agreed upon and is really good for the Catholic Church."
"It will be nice to have another pope that looks like he will be well," said catholic John Beach.
Diaz says he wants the next pope to be a pastor, a diplomat and a thoughtful administrator.
"One of the great needs is to bridge the divide that we have. We have to get over the conservative, the liberal, the right, the left, the blue and we have to come together," said Diaz. "The catholic, the non-catholic. We have to come together for the sake of the common good and address the tremendous challenges ahead of us."
Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.
"I did notice his energy, It was difficult for him to engage in this kind of activity," Diaz said.
Pope Benedict XVI is the first to step down in 600 years. Professor Diaz says this moment really humanizes the Catholic faith.
"It is an example for not only future popes but all of our leaders," he added.
Professor Diaz says a conclave will meet sometime next week to discuss the possible candidates and that within 2 or 3 weeks we should have a new pope.
But the process actually starts earlier. Friday, Professor Diaz will meet with leaders from around the world in Washington to explore characteristics of the next pope.
"I don't really have any expectations for that," said UD catholic student Emmy Hernandez. "I just hope when they decide on the Pope it all comes to a mutual agreement that everyone agreed upon and is really good for the Catholic Church."
"It will be nice to have another pope that looks like he will be well," said catholic John Beach.
Diaz says he wants the next pope to be a pastor, a diplomat and a thoughtful administrator.
"One of the great needs is to bridge the divide that we have. We have to get over the conservative, the liberal, the right, the left, the blue and we have to come together," said Diaz. "The catholic, the non-catholic. We have to come together for the sake of the common good and address the tremendous challenges ahead of us."
Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.