Pope Benedict XVI resigns: old age and poor health cited as reasons behind shock departure

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month as he says he is too old to continue at the age of 85. Resignations from the papacy are not unknown, but this is the first in the modern era; he became Pontiff in 2005 following John Paul II's death.

[Bhaleri]

He looks very frail. I'm sure the stress did a number on his health. As was pointed out, he was almost an acting pope during the last years of jPII. He's entitled to a rest, God bless him.