Reports reaching ViewPointNigeria from the Vatican indicates Pope Benedict XVI has said that he will resign on February 28. Reverend Father Federico Lombardi who is the Vatican spokesman said the ailing Pope was resigning because of advanced age. The 85 year old Pope told the College of Cardinals at the Vatican that “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 recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me,”. The Pope said he will reflect and resort to prayers after his resignation.

Gregory XII was the last pope to resign in 1415 so as to end a civil war within the church when more than one person claimed to be pope. Benedict XVI who is the 265th Pope is the sixth German to occupy the position and the first since the 11th century. Under him the church followership has been declining in Europe while expanding in Latin America, Asia and Africa. He was the Dean of Cardinals under his predecessor Pope John Paul II.

Reports reaching ViewPointNigeria from the Vatican indicates Pope Benedict XVI has said that he will resign on February 28. Reverend Father Federico Lombardi who is the Vatican’s spokesman said the ailing Pope was resigning because of advanced age. The 85 year old Pope told the College of Cardinals at the Vatican that “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 recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me,”. The Pope said he will reflect and resort to prayers after his resignation.

Gregory XII was the last Pope to resign in 1415 so as to end a civil war within the church when more than one person claimed to be Pope. Benedict XVI who is the 265th Pope is the sixth German to occupy the position and the first since the 11th century. Under him the church followership has been declining in Europe while expanding in Latin America, Asia and Africa. He was the Dean of Cardinals under his predecessor Pope John Paul II.

The Pope originally known as Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger picked up the name Benedict XVI when he was elected by the College of Cardinals at the Vatican in 2005 after the death of Pope John II. He is known to be outspoken whenever Christians are persecuted worldwide and has always called for peace in war torn areas. The Vatican has said that a new pope will be elected before Easter.

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Pope Benedict XVI to resign February 28