Pope Benedict XVI (16th) is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.
BBC News reported the unexpected development, the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years surprised governments, Vatican watchers and even his closest aides.
The Vatican said it expects a new Pope to be elected before Easter.
Under the Catholic Church's governing code, Canon Law, the only conditions for the validity of such a resignation are that it be made freely and be properly published.
A Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said that even Pope Benedict's closest aides did not know what he was planning to do.
He added that the decision showed great courage and determination.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is quoted as saying he was greatly shaken by this unexpected news.
Even the Vatican's official spokesman admitted he had been taken by surprise.
The Pope is not expected to take part in the conclave that will choose his successor, and will then retire to the papal residence.
He took the helm as one of the fiercest storms the Catholic Church has faced in decades, the scandal of child sex abuse by priests, was breaking.
The Vatican said right now, 1.2 billion Catholics the world over are holding their breath.
There are several papal contenders in the wings, but no obvious front runner.
The Vatican stressed that no specific medical condition prompted Benedict's decision.
However, his brother said doctors had recently advised the pope not to take any more trans-Atlantic trips.
The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory, who stepped down in 1415.
Benedict in 2007 passed a decree requiring a two thirds majority to elect a pope, changing the rules established by John Paul who had decided that the voting could shift to a simple majority after about 12 days of inconclusive voting.
Benedict did so to prevent cardinals from merely holding out until the 12 days had passed to push through a candidate who had only a slim majority.
The timing of Benedict's announcement is significant as Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, the most solemn period on the church's calendar that culminates with Holy Week and Easter on March 31.
Benedict was born April 16, 1927.
In his memoirs, Benedict dealt what could have been a source of controversy had it been kept secret that he was enlisted in the Nazi youth movement against his will when he was 14 in 1941, when membership was compulsory.
He said he was soon let out because of his studies for the priesthood.
Two years later he was drafted into a Nazi antiaircraft unit as a helper.
He deserted the German army in April 1945, the last days of the war.
Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa
Source: BBC
