Pope Benedict XVI's Reign Comes To An End
He called for the church to support whomever is chosen as the next pontiff saying, "I will continue to be close to you in prayer, especially in the next few days.. as you elect the new pope to whom I declare my unconditional reverence and obedience."
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Benedict's seven years as pope were plagued by sex abuse scandals within the Church and rumors of fights between his closest aides. The Huffington Post reports that many believe the rumors of infighting are what lead to Benedict's ultimate resignation. During his final address the pope mentioned these times of struggle. He said, "… We have lived with faith beautiful moments of radiant light in the path of the Church as well as moments when some clouds darkened the sky… We tried to serve Christ and his Church."
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Benedict is the first pontiff to resign in nearly six centuries. It is likely the 85 year old will retire to a monastery in Vatican City, where he will be able to offer advice to his successor but not intervene publicly.
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At 8:00 p.m. (Central European Time) Benedict ceased to be pope. The moment was symbollically marked by the Swiss Guards leaving their post at Castel Gandolfo, the summer home of the popes.
On March 4th, the cardinals will begin deliberating on whom will be the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, according to BBC News. A final decision is expected to come by the middle of that month.
Read more of Neon Tommy's coverage of the pope's final days here.
Read more of Huffington Post's coverage of the pope's final days here.
Read more of BBC News' coverage of the pope's final days here.
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