A Vatican spokesperson announced today, Monday, February 11 that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on February 28. The Pope cited his advanced age as the main reason for his resignation. Pope Benedict, who was born on April 16, 1927, will be 86 this year.
Last papal resignation
Pope Gregory XII was the last pope to resign. But that was in way back 1415. He was chosen by a conclave of 15 church officials in Rome in 1406, succeeding Pope Innocent VII. However, it was a contentious appointment, since there was another claimant to the papacy, Antipope Benedict XIII. Because of this, the Catholic Church was split, creating the Western Schism from 1738 to 1417. It was not a religious struggle, but rather a political one. To end the split, Pope Gregory XII opted to resign, provided that Antipope Benedict XIII would renounce any claim to the papacy so that a fresh election could be made. After several wary attempts at negotiations, the Council of Constance ended the standoff. The council accepted the Pope’s resignation but retained the all the cardinals that the Pope created. He was appointed as Bishop of Frascati, as well as the perpetual legate of Ancona and the Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals. It was only after Pope Gregory’s death that a new pope was elected.
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI, who is from Bavaria holds dual citizenship. He is said to be St. Peter the Apostle’s successor. Before his election as Pope he was the Archbishop of Munich and Freising. He succeeded Pope John Paul II on April 19, 2005.
With his resignation the Vatican has to immediately hold a conclave. They will have to elect a new pope by the middle of March. Since this is a papal resignation, there is no mourning period to observe, thus time is of the essence.
There are many contenders to the papal seat, but who will be the most likely person to be elected remains to be seen.
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