A stocking announcement came from the Vatican on Monday, Feb. 11, that Pope Benedict XVI is to resign on Feb. 28, 2013. The news has been confirmed from many sources including Reuters.
This is the first time in 600 years that a pontiff has left office before his term was up. Pope Benedict said he no longer has the strength to fulfill the duties of his office.
The 85-year-old Pope said he has noticed that his strength had deteriorated over recent months "to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me."
In a statement from the Vatican, the Pope said:
"For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter."
A Vatican spokesman said when the pontiff steps down from his duties at 7 p.m on Feb. 28, it will leave the office vacant until a successor is chosen. Pope Benedict XVI will not be able to vote on his new successor because he is over 80 years old.
This announcement came as a shock to the public and especially to Catholics who have not experienced a resignation like this one since the Middle Ages in the 1400s.
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