It's been six hundred years since the last pope resigned. The history dictates that they die in office, but Benedict has decided to opt out of waiting and he has resigned. There is no way of knowing, but there may be more to this than simply old age. I sincerely hope not.
The unexpected development - the first papal resignation in
nearly 600 years - surprised governments, Vatican-watchers and even his
closest aides.
The then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope after John Paul II's death.
The Vatican says it expects a new Pope to be elected before Easter.
The BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome says the news has come "out
of the blue", and that there was no speculation whatsoever about the
move in recent days.
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“Start Quote
I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me”
Pope Benedict XVI
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is quoted as saying he was "greatly shaken by this unexpected news".
A Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said that even
the Pope's closest aides did not know what he was planning to do and
were left "incredulous". He added that the decision showed "great
courage" and "determination".
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