Pope Benedict XVI, spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, has stepped down today due to his age. This is the first time a Pope has retired in almost 600 years.

The last time this occurred was in 1415 when Pope Gregory XII stepped down in order to end a civil war within the church because more than one man claimed to be Pope.

Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI, was elected into office on May 7, 2005. He is the oldest person to have been elected Pope and has served longer as a cardinal than any other. Prior to being cardinal, he had a career as a distinguished university theologian. He was ordained a priest in 1951.

“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,” said Benedict, age 85, according to the Vatican.

Benedict is resigning in “full freedom” and is “fully aware of the gravity of this gesture.”

When Pope John Paul II was feeling ill and contemplating stepping down, Pope Benedict, then known as Cardinal Ratzinger, made a request to return to his hometown in Germany. Pope John Paul II refused his offer because Paul felt he needed the President Cardinal in his time of need. Pope Paul II didn’t step down. Instead, he died in his position as Pope. Following his death, Cardinal Ratzinger was elected Pope.

One hundred seventeen cardinals will elect the next Pope, 67 of whom were appointed by Benedict. A decision will be made before Easter.

“It’s an interesting time to be alive in the church and see this in action. It’s something to look forward to. Just out of speculation, maybe the Pope noticed in other religious communities religious figures were elected for a period of time rather than for life. Maybe he saw the wisdom of their decision and thought it’d be a good for the Catholic Church as well,” said Sr. Irene Barboza.
Although no longer in position as Pope, Benedict has chosen to be called Your Holiness Benedict XVI, emeritus pope, or emeritus Roman pontiff.
Instead of wearing the Fisherman’s ring worn by Popes, Benedict will wear an episcopal ring from his time as Cardinal. His papal ring and seal will be destroyed by the College of Cardinals.
Benedict has chosen to wear a white cassock to replace his papal attire with brown shoes from Leon, Mexico because “the city of Leon is known for beautiful and very comfortable shoes.”
“I am no longer the pope but I am still in the church. I’m just a pilgrim who is starting the last part of his pilgrimage on this earth,” said Benedict.