Pope Benedict XVI, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, announced Monday morning that he will step down on February 28. From Reuters:

 

The 85-year-old pope said he had noticed that his strength had deteriorated over recent months “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,” he said according to a statement from the Vatican.

More: Reuters

When elected in 2005, following the death of Pope John Paul II, Benedict was 78 and one of the oldest new Popes ever. From the BBC:

“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.”

The last Pope to leave office prior to death was Pope Gregory XII in 1415, according to ABC News.

Photo: Pope Benedict XVI/Wikipedia