Pope Benedict XVI to Resign, Moon-Area Religious Leaders React
The Vatican announces he will step down Feb. 28.
Pope Benedict XVI's announcement Monday that he will resign effective Feb. 28 surprised but also drew praise from Moon-area clerics who said they view his decision as a courageous one. The 85-year-old pontiff announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals Monday morning, citing his "advanced age and diminishing strength." The pope, leader of more than a billion Roman Catholics worldwide, emphasized that the duties require "both strength of mind and body." The decision makes Benedict the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415, according to the Associated Press. Father Lou Vallone of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Crescent said he considers the…
