This file picture taken on January 6, 2013 shows Pope Benedict XVI blessing faithful at the end of the Epiphany mass in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. PHOTO: AFP
VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI on Monday announced he will resign on February 28, a Vatican spokesman told AFP, which will make him the first pope to do so in centuries.
"The pope announced that he will leave his ministry at 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) on February 28," said the spokesman, Federico Lombardi.
Pope said he is "fully aware of the gravity of this gesture."
He added that his strength is no longer adequate to continue in office due to advanced age.
COMMENTS (9)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
A gutsy move from someone who witnessed the Church drift as age/health issues undermined Pope John Paul Il. Goes to show you that even the most stodgy organizations can change - just takes leadership.
@John B: Seconded. A very noble step, inspires great respect for the Pope.
The world will surely miss him. His contribution towards unification of Christianity will remain unforgetable †
Cardinal Marc Ouellet, formerly the archbishop of Quebec City, has the best odds of replacing Pope Benedict XVI, but he is an extremely conservative man who will definitely not want the Catholic church to change. He is expected to be a carbon copy Pope Benedict XVI.
Whatever one can say about papal office, it takes courage, love and sincerity to the office and its mission to let go of it voluntarily.
@roadkashehzada: Canadian may nominate TUQ for the position!!!
@Afzal Ahmed: come on man, dont impose restrictions on wondering
@roadkashehzada:
Road Ka Shahzada must have lost his mind. That is why he is wandering on the road.
will tahir ul qadri amend his petition to include conclave to select new pope??? just wondering