Pope Benedict resigns on Feb. 28 due to a lack of strength. Pope Benedict XVI will become the first since 1415 to resign his office, according to a report from CNN on Monday (Feb. 11). That makes this news even more surprising and unexpected.
In a statement that the 85-year-old pope had released, he stated that, "Strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me." Benedict also revealed through his spokesman (Father Federico Lombardi) that he needed to resign due to his advanced age.
Benedict has been pope since 2005 and is the 265th man to serve in the role. He is also just the sixth German to serve in the role and the first since the 11th century. There has been a lot of drama during his time in the office, including many scandals and controversies that will likely mare his legacy.
As Pope Benedict resigns, the church will have to begin the process of putting a new person in office. This is certainly going to be big news over the coming weeks and months, but he has given everyone the rest of the month to prepare for his exit.
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