Pope Benedict XVI to resign, citing age and waning energy
Video: The Vatican announced on Monday that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning at the end of February. The 85-year-old pontiff said he can no longer keep up with his responsibilities.
The decision by the 85-year-old German pontiff sets up a pivotal leadership contest in the marbled halls of the Vatican that is coming sooner than observers expected.
Although questions about the pope’s health have long swirled — he was occasionally filmed nodding off during Mass — he seemed committed to continuing a papacy that has divided Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
But the pope’s brother, Georg Ratzinger, also a priest, said the pontiff had informed him of his decision “months ago.”
“He has gotten tired faster and faster, and walking has become hard for him,” Ratzinger said, adding that his brother — who was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger and ordained a priest in the aftermath of World War II — did “the best he possibly could have done” in his role.
The conclave to choose the next pope is expected to convene in mid-March, with a new pope in place in time to preside over Easter Mass.
Pope Benedict XVI resigns, upending 600 years of tradition - The Washington Post:
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