Pope Benedict XVI is to resign on February 28 due to his "deteriorating" health.

Pope Benedict says he needs to resign due to his advanced age
Pope Benedict XVI resigns due to 'age and bad health', Vatican confirms
The news which carryon on Monday Morning. He surprise the enter world include the young youth in Roman Catholic Church.  According to most popular viewer says he was surprise when he said he want to resign due to his age, I thought it was a joke but when I saw the seriousness on his face that when I know that he was serious. How ever

THE head of the Roman Catholic Church and bishop of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI, say is tires that he needs to resign he surprise the world on Monday, when he announced his resignation at the age of 85.

The Pope said he could no longer carry on as the pontiff, due to his age, which limits his capacity to adequately fulfill the Petrine ministry entrusted to him.

Pope Benedict XVI resigns due to 'age and bad health', Vatican confirms


Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, said: "Like many people throughout the world, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the decision by Pope Benedict XVI to resign.

"I know that his decision will have been considered most carefully and that it has come after much prayer and reflection."

The last post on Pope Benedict XVI's Twitter page, sent on Sunday, said: "We must trust in the mighty power of God's mercy. We are all sinners, but His grace transforms us and makes us new."

Pope Benedict has championed Christianity's European roots and showed his conservatism by repeatedly stressing family values and fiercely opposing abortion, euthanasia and gay marriage.

He has looked increasingly weary in recent months and has often used a mobile platform to move around St Peter's Basilica during church services.

His next scheduled major public appearance will see him host a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, said: "Pope Benedict's announcement today has shocked and surprised everyone. Yet, on reflection, I am sure that many will recognise it to be a decision of great courage and characteristic clarity of mind and action.

"The Holy Father recognises the challenges facing the Church and that "strength of mind and body are necessary" for his tasks of governing the Church and proclaiming the Gospel. I salute his courage and his decision."