TNI Bureau: Pope Benedict XVI will step down on February 28 this month due to his ill health. His announcement for resignation as the Pope of the Vatican came as a surprise for all his followers across the world.
The 85-year-old Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger had taken over the charge as Pope Benedict XVI in April 2005 following the death of John Paul II. Although the liberals looked at him with suspicion, the conservative Catholics hailed him as a hero.
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Last year, he had said that it is beautiful to be old. Even his close aides were not aware of his plan to quit. If we believe the Vatican spokesperson, the Pope never faced any difficulties in discharging his duties and the decision was purely personal.
His statement read as: “In order to govern…., both 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 recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfill 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.”