Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI...
On February 11, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation. The announcement was made before the cardinals in a speech in Latin. He explained his resignation by “lack of strength of mind and body”. On February 28, 2013 his resignation became effective. After Pope Celestine V (in 1294), he is the first pope in over seven centuries to resign on his own initiative and as well the first to resign in last six hundred years since Pope Gregory XII (in 1415). As Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI retains the title of His Holiness, and the title of Pope. Also, he will continue to dress in the white papal color. Official Vatican statement made by Federico Lombardi, Pope’s...
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