"In today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by
questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern
the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind
and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has
deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my
incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this
reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom
I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of
Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a
way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome,
the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new
Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it
is." - Pope Benedict XVI, in his official resignation letter.
Reposted from Joe
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