Pope Benedict XVI in shock resignation
Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.
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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Pope Benedict XVII have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me”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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Monday, February 11, 2013
It's Been 600 years
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.
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