sky scrapers serve as the centerpiece. and this was the scene in taipei, taiwan where the celebration features fireworks shot from the tallest high-rise. and in new york crowds are already forming in times square, the celebration is returning to full capacity after two years of scaled back celebrations. gloria joins us now with the latest. how is it looking, gloria? reporter: the rain just let up for a minute and people here are excited. they re trying to get their hands on one of these free hats. we have this family here from erie, pennsylvania, who is in town to celebrate the new year. tell me how long you ve been standing here. we got here about 10:00 this morning. reporter: why do you want to do this? first in a lifetime experience. first and last time for sure. reporter: how is it going with the little guy? he s going to hold up? he s doing good. he s doing really good, huh, jeremy? yeah. you excited for the new year? yeah. reporter: cool. so list
brilliant theologian who was active in the church and circles in the 1960s. obviously the congregation for the doctrine of the faith as pope of course. but his most historic act was his resignation, a move i think could change the papacy going forward. tell us about the significance of him resigning, why that was such a big deal? for one thing it hasn t happened for 600 years i think many people thought it was off the table. his predecessor continued on during his parakin son s disease and continued when he was very ill. but i think pope benedict showed great humility and freedom and as a result you have pope francis now saying that, you know, he s not going to resign any time soon but that could be in the cards if he doesn t feel, like benedict, that he can carry