Pope Benedict XVI to Resign
By: Matthew Fuchs
Updated: February 11, 2013
Pope Benedict
will resign on February 28 citing health concerns, according
to his spokesman Father Frederico Lombardi.
The 85-year-old told his senior clergy that
because of his advanced age and diminishing strength, he didn't feel he could
carry on the job.
He has served as pope since April of 2005.
The pope is quoted as saying he is
"fully aware of the gravity of his resignation"
Resigning means the Catholic Church will be
without a pope for a period of time until a new one is selected.
The cardinals say they expect to hold a
conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March.
The 265th Pontiff, Benedict is the first pope
to resign in 600 years.
