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Pope says will resign on Feb 28: Vatican spokesperson

Pope Benedict XVI says his strength is no longer adequate to continue in office due to advanced age.

Reuters/afp February 11, 2013

this file picture taken on january 6 2013 shows pope benedict xvi blessing faithful at the end of the epiphany mass in st peter 039 s basilica in vatican city photo afp

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.