Community Corner

Pope Benedict XVI to Resign

Pope, Benedict XVI announced Monday that he will resign on Feb. 28. He would become the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.

Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday morning that he will resign, effective Feb. 28, according to the Associated Press. The pope cited health concerns as the reason for the descision.

CNN reported that a spokesman for the pope did not give a reason for the decision, announced during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, but according to the AP, the 85-year-old pontiff cited his "advanced age and diminishing strength."

The decision makes Benedict the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, according to the AP report.

Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths due to an advanced age are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry," he told the cardinals according to the full text of the Pope's announcement posted on The Huffington Post

Born Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI was chosen in 2005 to succeed the late Pope John Paul II.

Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Vatican could hold a conclave to elect a new pope by mid-March, according to the AP.

What do you think of the announcement? For Catholics in Seminole Heights, what does this mean to you?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Seminole Heights