Pope Says Fully Aware of Gravity of His Shock Resignation

A file photo dated 19 April 2005 showing newly elected Pope Benedict XVI greeting pilgrims while standing on the balcony of St. Peter`s Basilica after his election, Vatican City. EPA/BGNES

Pope Benedict XVI has said he is fully aware of the gravity of his decision to resign as head of the Catholic Church, according to a statement, reported by news agencies.

In the statement the pope said his strength is no longer adequate to continue in office.

He became Pope in 2005 following John Paul II's death.

Resignations from the papacy are not unknown, but this is the first in the modern era, which has been marked by pontiffs dying while in office.

At 78, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest new popes in history when elected.

He took the helm as one of the fiercest storms the Catholic Church has faced in decades - the scandal of child sex abuse by priests - was breaking.

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