By Mike Dougherty

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Pope Benedict’s retirement is on the minds of Catholics as they attend their first Sunday mass since the announcement.

Worshipers at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul say they are praying for the Pope and that his resignation is good for the church if he’s not well enough to carry out his duties.

Jan and Harry are excited about the election of a new Pontiff.

“I think we need someone who is open minded — we need conservatism but we also need someone who looks ahead, who is progressive.”

“I would like to see a younger Pope, regardless if it’s our country or not because they should establish a career of say 10 years minimum.”

Others are confident the new Pope will have a large role in reversing the trend of the declining number of American Catholics and shrinking enrollment at Catholic schools.