The leader of Roman Catholic Church – Pope Benedict XVI announced
on Monday that he will resign on February 28, 2013. The 85-year-old is
reportedly stepping down because of his advanced age and deteriorating health,
he cannot continue anymore. So far, no specific health condition or outside
pressure contributed to his decision. The Vatican City spokes person announced
that there’s going to be a new Pope before Easter. He told church leaders that
with his age the responsibilities of the job is overwhelming.
on Monday that he will resign on February 28, 2013. The 85-year-old is
reportedly stepping down because of his advanced age and deteriorating health,
he cannot continue anymore. So far, no specific health condition or outside
pressure contributed to his decision. The Vatican City spokes person announced
that there’s going to be a new Pope before Easter. He told church leaders that
with his age the responsibilities of the job is overwhelming.
This decision
makes him the first pope to resign since the middle ages. Pope Benedict XVI
became Pope in 2005 following the death of Pope John Paul II.
makes him the first pope to resign since the middle ages. Pope Benedict XVI
became Pope in 2005 following the death of Pope John Paul II.
Read his statement
below:
below:
Carrying out the duties of being pope required “both strength
of mind and body,” it said.
of mind and body,” it 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,” the
pontiff’s statement said.
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,” the
pontiff’s statement said.
The choice was a
“decision of great importance” for the church, the statement added.
“decision of great importance” for the church, the statement added.
