Pope Benedict to Step Down
Pope's Resignation Is First in 600 Years
Al Pessin
February 11, 2013
LONDON — Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI has resigned, effective at the end of the month. It is the first time a pope resigned in nearly 600 years.
Pope Benedict surprised a high-level church meeting at the Vatican with his announcement. According to a text published later, he told the gathering he believes that "in today's world" a pope must be strong enough to speak and engage in activities, and that his own health "has deteriorated" in recent months.
The pope, who is 85 years old, said he has "had to recognize" his "incapacity to adequately fulfill" his ministry. He said his "strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited" to the demands of the job. He said prayer and suffering are also part of a pope's duties, but those things alone are not sufficient.
Pope Benedict greets the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, April 19, 2005.
Pope Benedict blesses a baby as he rides around St. Peter's Square to hold his last general audience at the Vatican Feb. 27, 2013.
Pope Benedict appears on a giant screen in a packed St. Peter's Square at the Vatican during his last general audience, February 27, 2013.
Pope Benedict arrives to attend a meeting with seminarians at the Romano Maggiore seminary in Rome, February 8, 2013.
Pope Benedict waves as he arrives to lead the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 18, 2012.
Pope Benedict wears a sombrero, a traditional Mexican hat, while being driven through the crowd before officiating a mass in Silao, Mexico, March 25, 2012.
Pope Benedict holds his cross as he leads a solemn mass in Zagreb, Croatia, June 5, 2011.
Pope Benedict visits the Ardeatine Caves Memorial in Rome, Italy, March 27, 2011.
Pope Benedict leaves after an audience with Vatican-accredited diplomats at the Vatican, January 10, 2011.
Pope Benedict visits the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City, May 12, 2009.
Pope Benedict waves to the crowd gathered in Saint Peter's square during his weekly Angelus blessing at the Vatican, May 16, 2010.
U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama meet with Pope Benedict at the Vatican, July 10, 2009.
Benedict's predecessor, Pope John-Paul II, died at age 85 in 2005, after several years during which his physical frailty limited his activities.
Pope Benedict Bio
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Became one of the oldest new popes when elected in 2005 at age of 78
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Headed Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith before becoming pope
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Named Cardinal of Munich in 1977
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Taught at several universities from 1959 to 1966
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Joined the Hitler Youth in 1941 when it became compulsory for all German boys
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Born Joseph Ratzinger in 1927 in Bavaria's Marktl am Inn, son of a police officer
Pope Benedict made his most recent public appearance Sunday, addressing a crowd in St. Peter’s Square on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.
He spoke of what he called “the universal values” of “peace, harmony and gratitude to Heaven,” which he said are “desired by everyone to build their family, society and ... nation.”
The pope wished those celebrating “a happy and prosperous life.”
World Catholic population, 2012.x
World Catholic population, 2012.
The Vatican says the pope's surprise resignation will trigger a series of events culminating next month in a conclave of the world's Roman Catholic cardinals. A spokesman said officials expect to have a new pope elected by Easter, which this year is on March 31.