AUSTRALIA
Courier Mail
AAP
February 11, 2013
PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI marks a historic moment, which many Australian Catholics will greet with great emotion.
The Pope will resign on February 28, saying his age prevented him from carrying out his duties – an unprecedented move in the modern history of the Catholic church.
He is the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years and the decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new Pope before the end of March.
The 85-year-old Pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals on Monday morning.
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