dailymail UK 02.11.2013
* Pontiff, 85, says health 'no longer adequate due to his advanced age'
* 'I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry'
* Made the decision in 'full freedom' but is aware of 'gravity of gesture'
* Doctor advised him 'not to take transatlantic flights for health reasons'
* Will retire on February 28, a decision that shocked even the Vatican
* The only Pope to quit for health reasons and first to stand down since Gregory XII in 1415
* David Cameron praised Pope's 'tireless' efforts to strengthen relations between UK and Holy See
The Catholic church was thrown into turmoil today after Pope Benedict XVI made the shock decision to quit the papacy because of his deteriorating health.
In a decision that has surprised even his closest aides, the 85-year-old Pontiff said his strength was 'no longer adequate to continue in office due to his advanced age'. He announced his resignation in Latin to a meeting of Vatican cardinals this morning, saying he did not have the 'strength of mind and body' to continue leading more than a billion Roman Catholics worldwide.
The decision to resign is highly unusual as the vast majority of incumbents die in office. He is the first pope to resign in 600 years.
The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and leader of Catholics in England and Wales called on 'people of faith' to pray for the 85-year-old pontiff, saying that his announcement had shown 'great courage.'
'Pope Benedict's announcement today has shocked and surprised everyone,' he said.
St Peters Today (some think the next Pope will bring in the anti-Christ, what do you think? email here)
Full story here
