POPE BENEDICT XVI'S RESIGNATION

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Pope Benedict XVI shocked Catholics around the world when he announced on February 11, 2013, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes that he is resigning as Pope on February 28, 2013.

Full text of Pope's declaration

Dear Brothers,

I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church.  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.  I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering.  Read more 

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