Pope Benedict resigned [Photo gallery]

The world was stunned today with the announcement of the resignation of the head of the Catholic Church, Benedict XVI, 86, in an event that repeats after almost 600 years.

“After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strength, 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  with prayer and suffering, “wrote the Pope.

As it became known, the decision of the Supreme Pontiff, is taken in exercise of a sound mind, and under the express terms contained in Canon Law.

Benedict XVI, German named Joseph Ratzinger, will now move to the Catel Gandolfo residence and remain there until the appointment of the new Pope. Then retire to a cloistered monastery in the Vatican.