A surprise from the Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI said Monday that he would step down at the end of the month, ending a papacy that has lasted less than eight years, declaring that his health is too great of a concern to continue his duties. Benedict will become the first pope since Gregory XII in 1415 to step down.
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.
For a look at the pope’s surprise Vatican radio address earlier today, click here.
Interesting… They normally die while still Pope. So interesting!
