Citing failing strength of “mind and body,” Pope Benedict XVI stunned his closest aides and more than 1 billion Catholics by resigning on Monday, becoming the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years and ending the tenure of a formidable theologian who preached a gospel of conservative faith to a fast-changing world.

The conclave to choose the next pope is expected to convene in mid-March, with a new pope in place in time to preside over Easter Mass.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/pope-benedict-to-resign-citing-age-and-waning-energy/2013/02/11/f9e90aa6-743b-11e2-8f84-3e4b513b1a13_story.html

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/02/12/new-name-new-home-new-role-retiring-pope-faces-uncharted-territory-as-emeritus/