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Pope Benedict XVI to Step Down

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Pope Benedict XVI has served for the past eight years./ Pope Benedict XVI has served for the past eight years./ Courtesy Photo

Pope Benedict XVI will step down Feb. 28, making him the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.

In making the unexpected announcement Monday in Rome where he spoke in Latin, Pope Benedict XVI cited advanced infirmities as the reason for his resignation.

"I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise [of leadership]," the pope said in a statement that has circulated around the globe via the Internet and social media.

The 85-year-old pope has served at the helm of the Roman Catholic world for the past eight years.

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WI Web Staff

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1 comment

  • sarah

    This is an admirable, if surprising, action on the part of the pope. For me personally Benedict XVI was not only the head of the Catholic Church but also an intellectual with an extensive knowledge of a variety of subjects and above all one of the greatest defenders of the protection of the environment who spoke openly about the threats such as global warming and other challenges we'll have to face in the years to come. I live in a city whose inhabitants care a lot about the environment, famous for projects like the so-called Greenest City 2020 Action Plan whose aim is to eliminate the negative impact that our actions often have on the environment and I have to say Pope Benedict was never afraid to raise his voice to oppose the disastrous results of such actions. I think politicians could be inspired by his beliefs and ideas in this particular area and that's why he will definitely be missed by many here in Canada.

    sarah Saturday, 16 February 2013 11:04 Comment Link

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