Pope Benedict XVI is to resign as head of the Catholic Church on February 28, The Vatican has revealed.Pope Benedict said in a statement that his strength is no longer adequate to continue in office due to old age, according to Reuters.He said he was "fully aware of the gravity of this gesture".
The 85-year-old said he had noticed that his strength had deteriorated over recent months "to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me".
"For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter."
He becomes the first pontiff to resign in nearly 600 years, announcing his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals on Monday morning.
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