Vatican City: In a surprise announcement, the Vatican on Monday declared Pope Benedict XVI will resign on Feb 28.
Pope Benedict said in a statement that his strength is no longer adequate to continue in office, reported the BBC.
"After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry..."
"In today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me," the Pope stated.
Pope Benedict’s announcement, which was made in Latin, came at a meeting of Vatican cardinals.
The 85-year old Pope will be the first to resign from the papacy in centuries.
Otherwise known as Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI was elected in April 2005 when Pope John Paul II died.
Papal resignations are rare, with most of them serving the post lifelong.
The 85-year old Pope will be the first to resign from the papacy in centuries.
Otherwise known as Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI was elected in April 2005 when Pope John Paul II died.
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