Pope Benedict XVI stunned the Catholic world yesterday by announcing his intention to step down at the end of the month, citing deteriorating mental and physical health for his decision to become the first pontiff to relinquish the role voluntarily since 1294.
The Vatican said a conclave of cardinals would gather next month to elect a successor, possibly by Easter which falls on March 31.
“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 85-year old pope said in a message to cardinals delivered in Latin.
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