Pope Benedict said Monday that he will resign at the end of February because he no longer has the strength to fulfill the duties of his office, news services reported.
In a statement issued by the Vatican at midday in Rome (6 a.m. Washington time), the leader of the Catholic church for the last eight years said he was “fully aware of the gravity” of his decision.
Benedict, 85, is the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years. His decision means that for the first time in centuries, there will be a living former pope looking on as his successor leads the Catholic church.
In his statement, the pontiff said his strength had deteriorated over recent months “to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me,” Reuters reported.
“Well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter,” Benedict said, according to a statement from the Vatican.
In accordance with church tradition, a conclave of cardinals will be convened to select the next pope.
In a statement issued by the Vatican at midday in Rome (6 a.m. Washington time), the leader of the Catholic church for the last eight years said he was “fully aware of the gravity” of his decision.
Benedict, 85, is the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years. His decision means that for the first time in centuries, there will be a living former pope looking on as his successor leads the Catholic church.
In his statement, the pontiff said his strength had deteriorated over recent months “to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me,” Reuters reported.
“Well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter,” Benedict said, according to a statement from the Vatican.
In accordance with church tradition, a conclave of cardinals will be convened to select the next pope.