The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI was a surprise to the faithful throughout the world

He resigns due to his old age, after seven years, ten months of being head of the Catholic Church, Benedict represented the conservative wing, which some branded as extreme. His papacy was tinged by controversy.

Benedict XVI yesterday surprised the world and members of the Vatican by announcing his resignation.

Pope Benedict XVI reading his resignation letter.

Prior to his resignation, the Pope   revealed that he was tired and didn’t have the strength to continue as head of the Catholic Church. “To steer the ship of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel is also necessary vigor of body and spirit, vigor that, in recent months, has decreased so that I have to admit my inability to exercise the good ministry I was committed to, “said in Latin.

On February 28 at 20:00, the Pope, 85, will leave the Throne of St. Peter definitely. From that moment a conclave will be formed to appoint the new leader of over 1,200 billion Catholics worldwide.

According to a statement by the Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi, the election of the new Pope will be held between March 24 and April 1. “We will have a Pope for Easter“.

The Vatican also revealed it will hold an official farewell before the Pope finally leaves office. Dean of the Vatican, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, said he will invite “the authorities of many countries” and “pastors and faithful believers” in the world for them to express their feelings.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Once formalized his resignation, Benedict will retire at the residence of Castell Gandolfo until the election of the new authority of the church and then by his own will, he will live in the monastery of cloistered nuns “Mater Ecclesiae” which is being restored and which will be devoted – as he has expressed – for prayer, reflection and study.