Bishop Carl Mengeling, of the Diocese of Lansing, says he's not surprised by the appointment of Pope Benedict XVI, although his age may come as a shock to some. The new Pontiff is 78; Pope John Paul II was 58 when he was appointed.

Bishop Mengeling describes Pope Benedict the XVI as soft spoken and humble.

Mengeling met with him in Rome last May and feels the transition will be seamless, his agenda very similar to Pope John Paul II.

Bishop Mengeling will hold a special mass for the new Pope, but it hasn't been scheduled yet.