Pope Benedict XVI is planning to resign from his post as head of the Roman Catholic Church. The pope cited his advanced age as the reason for the decision.
Pope Benedict made the surprise announcement during a meeting with Vatican cardinals on Monday.
Citing a lack of strength due his "advanced age," Benedict said he needed to resign because he could no longer carry out his duties.
"For this reason, and 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," he said according to a statement from the Vatican.
The announcement was reportedly made in Latin.
The Vatican's spokesman, Federico Lombardi, said the pontiff would serve until the end of the month.
"The pope announced that he will leave his ministry at 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) on February 28," he said.
The College of Cardinals is expected to be elect a successor by mid-March.
Pope Benedict has been in office since April 19, 2005. Since then, the German native, who was born Joseph Ratzinger, has been the subject of much international criticism for his conservative stance on Church issues, including that of whether to allow women to enter the priesthood and human sexuality.
The last pope to relinquish the papacy was Pope Gregory XII in 1415.
German government 'moved' by decision
The news came as a shock to many on Monday, including the German government.
"As a Christian and as a Catholic, one can't help but be moved and touched by this," Steffen Seibert, the spokesperson for the German chancellor, told reporters in Berlin.
"[The government] has the highest respect for the Holy Father and for his achievements," he added.
"He has left a very personal signature as a thinker at the head of the Church, and also as a shepherd. Whatever the reasons for this decision, they must be respected."
Chancellor Angela Merkel was expected to make a statement during the afternoon.
kms/pfd (Reuters, AFP, AP, dpa) dw de
Comments