DeKALB – The Rev. Don Ahles hopes Pope Benedict XVI’s nearly eight years as head of the Catholic Church is not solely remembered for his historic announcement Monday.

Ahles, pastor of St. Catherine of Genoa, was shocked with much of the Catholic world when Benedict announced Monday his intent to resign Feb. 28, becoming the first pope in 600 years to step down.

While Benedict will certainly be remembered for the resignation, Ahles said Benedict’s legacy should also be one of love and the determination to carry on the policies of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.