Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation Monday citing ill-health for his inability to continue at the age of 85. He will resign on Feb. 28 making him the first pope to resign in six centuries.
Stating "advanced age" as the reason to step down, Pope Benedict XVI announced his decision during a meeting of Vatican cardinals Monday, reported the Associated Press. He said that his strengths "are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry."
The move was unexpected and surprised the governments and even the closest the aides of the pope, reported BBC. Italian Prime Minister said that he was "greatly shaken by this unexpected news."
The last pope to step down was Pope Gregory XII, who resigned in 1415 to end the Western Schism among several competitors for papacy, reported The New York Times.
Pope Benedict XVI, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, called his choice "a decision of great importance for the life of the church." The pope's resignation statement said, "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.
The pope was elected on April 19, 2005. He was a popular choice among 115 cardinals who elected him, reported The New York Times. The newspaper further reported that he was perceived as a man who shared - and at times went beyond - the conservative theology of his predecessor and mentor, John Paul II, and appeared ready to take over the job after serving beside him for more than two decades.
"However, in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to steer the boat 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 recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me, " the Pope said
By mid-March, Vatican will hold a conclave to elect a new pope.
