A surprise from the Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI said Monday that he would step down at the end of the month, ending a papacy that has lasted less than eight years, declaring that his health is too great of a concern to continue his duties. Benedict will become the first pope since Gregory XII in 1415 to step down.

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.

For a look at the pope’s surprise Vatican radio address earlier today, click here.

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2. what-a-catch reblogged this from old--fashioned and added:

   Good. I never liked him.

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   Interesting… They normally die while still Pope. So interesting!

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    idk anything about what goes on in catholicism tbh, but this is interesting news, to say the least.

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    I distinctly remember the feeling of my heart dropping into my boots when they announced his name. My feelings about...

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