VATICAN - Benedict XVI: "my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry"

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - During the Ordinary Public Consistory for the Canonization of some Blessed, held on Monday morning, February 11, the Holy Father Benedict XVI made this announcement to the Cardinals present: "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry." So, after pointing out that "in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deap relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary," he said: "well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom, I declare that I renounce the ministry of the Bishop of Rome, Successor of St Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on April 19, 2005, in such a way, that as from February 28, 2013, at 20.00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of St. Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked shall by those whose competence it is." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 12/02/2013)