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

The resignation will take effect on February 28th. Explaining the decision, Pope Ratzinger cited the fatigue, exhaustion, and an inability of performing his job

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.

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- 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."

(Telegraf.rs)