VATICAN CITY
The Wrap
[with video]
Pope Benedict XVI stunned the world Monday with his announcement that he will step down after eight years, becoming the first pope to resign in six centuries.
Benedict, 85, cited his age and health as the reason for his resignation. His time as pope has also been marked by fallout from the Catholic Church’s sex abuse scandal.
The pope will fulfill his duties through the end of the month, and a successor could be named by Easter, the Vatican said.
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