SURPRISE: Pope Benedict XVI, first pope after 600 years to resign! (VIDEO)

Pope Benedict XVI announced today that on February 28th, he will withdraw from office. He is the first pope that has made this decision after 600 years.

- Aware of the seriousness of the act, freely I announce that I abdicate the Diocese of Rome that I had been entrusted by Cardinals on 19th April 2005. - Benedict said, announcing his resignation, according to Italian news agency Ansa.

According to media, Benedict XVI said that his strength yields in recent months, in the "measures that he just had to recognize that he is not able to adequately fulfill the duties entrusted to him."

- Having reviewed the conscience before God, I am sure that I no longer have the strength to be at the head of the Diocese of Rome - said the Pope according to BBC.

Cardinal Ratzinger was elected for pope, at 78, as one of the oldest pope in modern history. News that has alarmed the world, Pope announced in Latin, during a meeting with the cardinals, and asking the convening of the conclave, in order to choose his successor, reported the Italian agency Ansa.

The Pope said he was leaving the office "for the good of the Church" and specified that he will officially cease to be the head of the Roman Catholic Church on 28th February, at 20 am (local time).

Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the Collegium of Cardinals, said that the Pope's announcement came "out of the blue."

Vatican sources, however, said that Benedict XVI “felt the weight of recent functions, and thought a long time before making this decision”. While citizens in St. Peter's Square in Rome, are still largely unaware of the vast changes that have occurred, the monks in the monastery of St. Francis of Assisi and elsewhere have already gathered in prayers.

Religious community was "surprised and speechless," and in the meantime the first official reaction has arrived.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti was "visibly shaken" by the news, so much that he said he “was not able to give any comments on this story, before getting familiar with the details”. A spokesman of the German government said that Berlin took the news with anxiety and sadness.

- As a Christians and Catholics as well, we are moved and shaken by this news - said the spokesman Stefan Seibert.

French President Francois Oland said that he respects pope's decision to resign, reported the Ansa.

The Vatican has stated that they expect, the period between the election and the pope's resignation will be as short as possible, and that they do not known when will cardinals meet to elect a new chief, reported the BBC.

Now stands an open question of Benedict’s successor. Benedict himself, asked for the convening of the conclave to choose his successor.

Telegraph has recently written about the opportunity that the next head of the Roman Catholic Church may be the black.

(Telegraf.rs)