Benedict XVI's pontificate was "short but difficult."
This is the assessment of the President of the Council of the European Union, Hernan van Rompuy, who expressed himself in a short message released in Brussels, Belgium. "I deeply respect the decision of Pope Benedict XVI, especially considering that it is not in line with tradition," he said.
From Agência Brasil
Brasilia - Pope Benedict XVI's pontificate was "short but very difficult," said today (11) the President of the Council of the European Union, Hernan van Rompuy, in a short message released in Brussels, Belgium. "I deeply respect Pope Benedict XVI's decision, especially considering that it is not in line with tradition," he declared.
German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, elected pope in 2005 at the age of 78, announced today, during a consistory (a meeting of cardinals to assist the pope in his decisions) at the Vatican, his resignation effective February 28 due to "advanced age." Ratzinger, one of the oldest cardinals elected pope, is 85 years old. Before him, the last head of the Catholic Church to resign was Gregory XII, in the 15th century (1406-1415).
A new pope must be chosen by Easter, March 31, said Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi, announcing that a conclave should be organized between 15 and 20 days after the pontiff's removal from office. He assumed the post amid one of the biggest scandals faced by the Catholic Church in decades – allegations of sexual abuse of children by clergy.
With information from Lusa Agency