Upset in Vatican City

Early this month Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, or as he is currently known Pope Benedict XVI, announced that due to his declining health and advancing age he will be stepping down as leader of the Catholic Church.

This has come as a major shock to the world considering a Pope usually retains his leadership until their death. Currently Benedict is the sixth oldest pope in history as well as the sixth pope to ever unambiguously resign from office. This is currently the first resignation the Vatican has seen since the resignation of Gregory XII, who resigned in 1415.

As it currently stands Benedict will resign from his position at the end of February. Then in march the College of Cardinals will gather inside the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to choose Benedict's successor in what is known as a Papal Conclave. During this time the Cardinals will not be permitted to leave the walls of the Vatican until a new Pope is elected by a two thirds vote.

By Cory Donley