Stating, "in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both
strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months,
has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity
to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me," Pope Benedict XVI announced,
Monday, his resignation, effective February 28 at 20:00 hours.
Benedict's
resignation makes him the first pontiff to leave the papacy in nearly 600
years.
The
85-year-old Benedict announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of
Vatican cardinals on this morning, saying that "my strengths due to an
advanced age are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine
ministry."
A conclave
to elect a new pope will take place before the end of March.
