Joseph Ratzinger

Images: Pope Benedict XVI during eight-year-long papacy

Pope Benedict said in a historic announcement he no longer had the mental and physical strength to run the Roman Catholic Church and would become the first pontiff in more than 600 years to resign.

Pope Benedict XVI to resign with effect from 28 Feb

Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday he would resign 28 February, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March.