Pope Benedict XVI resigns due to age and declining health

Pontiff, 85, who suffers from arthritis, said he will step down on February 28 after almost eight years at the head of the Catholic Church

Pope Benedict XVI to resign as head of the Catholic Church later this month, the Vatican announced.

The move, which came without warning, will be held on February 28 and leaving the papacy vacant until a successor is elected.

Pope announced his decision in Latin, Monday morning at a meeting of cardinals. They reported "a decision of great importance for the life of the church."

• According to a statement from the Vatican, Benedict XVI, 85, said he was resigned because of his age and strength down. "After reviewing several times my conscience before God, I am confident that my strength, because the elderly are no longer appropriate for the proper exercise of the Petrine ministry.
• "For this reason, and very aware of the seriousness of this law, freely, I declare that I renounce the ministry of the Bishop of Rome, successor of St. Peter, that I was entrusted by the Cardinals April 19, 2005, so that from February 28, 2013 at 20:00 at the headquarters of Rome, the seat of St. Peter is vacant and a conclave to elect a new pope must be called by those whose the competition is. "

Benedict XVI, who became the 265th pope in 2005, has arthritis, especially in the knees, hips and ankles. He was flying to Brazil, the largest Catholic country in the world in July for a youth festival, but the concern was raised among observers of the Vatican as to whether it was good enough.

voluntary resignation of the pope is rare - and certainly in the last centuries. Pope Celestine V has exercised its right to abdicate in 1294.