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Pope surprises the world, says that he will step down
This version of Pope Surprises World Says He Will Step Down Flna1B8325416 - Breaking News | NBC News Clone was adapted by NBC News Clone to help readers digest key facts more efficiently.
Pope Benedict XVI (third from right) attends a consistory at the Vatican on Feb. 11, 2013, where he announced that he will step aside.Osservatore Romano / Reuters
By PhotoBlog
Pope Benedict XVI leaves a consistorio Feb. 11 at The Vatican after announcing that he will step aside.Vatican Press Office via AFP - Getty ImagesPope Benedict XVI (third from right) attends a consistory at the Vatican on Feb. 11, 2013, where he announced that he will step aside.Osservatore Romano / Reuters
Published at 10:30 a.m. ET:
The pope and Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals, hug each other after the pontiff announced that he would abdicate on Feb. 28.L'Osservatore Romano via AP
By Claudio Lavanga and Alastair Jamieson, NBC News:Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday he will step aside as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics on Feb. 28, saying he no longer has the strength to carry out his duties.
Speaking in Latin, the 85-year-old announced his decision during an address at the "Concistory for the canonization of the martyrs of Otranto", a small event held early in the morning. Read full story
Two priests walk in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Feb. 11.Alessandro Bianchi / ReutersPostcards of Pope Benedict XVI, bottom, and the late Pope John Paul II are displayed outside a kiosk with St. Peter's Basilica in the background at the Vatican on Feb. 11.Gregorio Borgia / APThe cross on top of the St. Peter's dome is reflected in a puddle following Pope Benedict XVI's announcement of his abdication on Feb. 11.Alessandro Di Meo / EPAJoseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. Look back at his life from childhood through his papacy.
