A Vatican Spokesman
has said that Pope Benedict XVl will resign 28 February, an unusual development
from the Papacy today.
has said that Pope Benedict XVl will resign 28 February, an unusual development
from the Papacy today.
When he goes, he will be the first Pope to do so in centuries.
“The pope announced that he will leave his ministry at 8:00 pm
(1900 GMT) on February 28,” said the spokesman, Federico Lombardi. His
retirement, according to the spokesman is linked to his old age. He is 85 years
old.
(1900 GMT) on February 28,” said the spokesman, Federico Lombardi. His
retirement, according to the spokesman is linked to his old age. He is 85 years
old.
The Vatican said a new pope would be elected next month.
“We should have a new pope for Easter,” Vatican spokesman
Federico Lombardi told reporters, saying a conclave could be held within 15 or
20 days of the resignation.
Federico Lombardi told reporters, saying a conclave could be held within 15 or
20 days of the resignation.
Pope Benedict XVl was born April 16, 1927 in on April 16, 1927,
in Marktl am Inn, in the predominantly Catholic southern German region of
Bavaria. His full name is Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger
in Marktl am Inn, in the predominantly Catholic southern German region of
Bavaria. His full name is Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger
He was ordained priest at the same time as his older brother
Georg in 1951, and began teaching theology at Freising College in 1958.
Georg in 1951, and began teaching theology at Freising College in 1958.
Ratzinger went on from there to teach at several other German
universities, notably in Bonn, Muenster and Regensburg.
universities, notably in Bonn, Muenster and Regensburg.
He succeeded the popular Pope John Paul ll on 19 April, 2005 as
the 265th Pope in history. Incidentally, John Paul died at the age of 85 too.
He was born in Poland in 1920 and died in 2005.
the 265th Pope in history. Incidentally, John Paul died at the age of 85 too.
He was born in Poland in 1920 and died in 2005.
A spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday the
German-born pope deserved “respect” and “gratitude” for his nearly eight years
as pontiff after he announced he was to step down.
German-born pope deserved “respect” and “gratitude” for his nearly eight years
as pontiff after he announced he was to step down.
“The federal government has the greatest possible respect for
the Holy Father, for his accomplishments, for his life-long work for the
Catholic Church,” said Steffen Seibert, adding the pontiff also deserved “gratitude”.
the Holy Father, for his accomplishments, for his life-long work for the
Catholic Church,” said Steffen Seibert, adding the pontiff also deserved “gratitude”.
“As a Christian and as a Catholic, one reacts with emotion and
dismay,” added Seibert in a regular government news conference.
dismay,” added Seibert in a regular government news conference.
He said Benedict XVI had left his “very personal mark” on the
Church, “both as a thinker and a shepherd” to the world’s 1.2 billion
Catholics.
Church, “both as a thinker and a shepherd” to the world’s 1.2 billion
Catholics.
“Whatever the reasons may be for this declaration, they should
be honoured and respected and he deserves gratitude for leading this world
church for eight years in such a way,” concluded Seibert.
be honoured and respected and he deserves gratitude for leading this world
church for eight years in such a way,” concluded Seibert.
Merkel, herself the daughter of a pastor, would
speak on the issue at 1330 GMT, her office announced
