Pope Benedict XVI in shock resignation

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.

--> The unexpected development - the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years - surprised Governments, Vatican-watchers and even his closest aides.

The Vatican says it expects a new Pope to be elected before Easter.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 2005 Became Pope after John Paul II's death.
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"Start Quote

     I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me "

Pope Benedict XVI

The BBC's David Willey in Rome says the move has come as a shock, but in theory, there has never been anything stopping Pope Benedict or any of his predecessors from stepping aside.

Under Canon Law, the only conditions for the validity of such a resignation are that it be made ​​freely and be properly published.

A Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said that even the Pope's closest aides did not know what he was planning to do and were left "incredulous". He added that the decision Showed "great courage" and "determination".

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is quoted as saying he was "greatly shaken by this unexpected news."

The brother of the German-born Pope said the Pontiff had been advised by his doctor not to take any more transatlantic trips and had been considering stepping down for months.

--> Doctor's advices

A Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said that even Pope Benedict's closest aides did not know what he was planning to do and were left "incredulous". He added that the decision Showed "great courage" and "determination"
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is quoted as saying he was "greatly shaken by this unexpected news."


The brother of the German-born Pope said the Pontiff had been advised by his doctor not to take any more transatlantic trips and had been considering stepping down for months.

Talking from his home in Regensburg in Germany, Georg Ratzinger said his brother was having increasing difficulty walking and that his resignation was part of a "natural process".

He added: "His age is weighing on him. At this age my brother wants more rest."

The Pope is not expected to take part in the conclave that will choose his successor, and will then retire to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo when he leaves office.

Father Lombardi said the Pope would then move into a monastery of cloistered nuns inside the Vatican, for "a period of prayer and reflection"  "Full freedom '
At 78, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest new Popes in history when elected.

He took the helm as one of the fiercest storms the Catholic Church has faced in decades - the scandal of child sex abuse by priests - was breaking.

In a statement, the Pontiff said: "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.

"I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be Carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and Suffering.