Catholics have a new pope

Dear brothers!

I have gathered you at this Consistory not only to consider the question of the canonization of three people, but to inform you of a decision of extreme importance for the life of the Church. After much reflection on my duty to God, I came to the understanding that my strength, due to my advanced age, was no longer sufficient for proper service on the papal throne. I know very well that serving in this post, due to its special spiritual nature, is not only words and deeds, but also, to no less extent, prayer and suffering.

However, in a modern world, subject to so many sudden changes and shaken by questions about the deep importance of a life of faith, strength of mind and body is required to control the boat of St. Peter and preach the Gospel; forces which, during the last few months, have deserted me to such an extent that I have become conscious of my inability to devote myself fully to the service entrusted to me.

For this reason, fully aware of the seriousness of this act, and of my own free will, I announce that I resign from the See of Bishop of Rome, Heir of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on April 19, 2005, so that, from 20:00 on February 28, 2013, the Holy See, See St. Peter's will be free. And those responsible for this must convene a Conclave that will choose a new Supreme Pontiff.

Dear brothers, I sincerely thank you for all the love and labor with which you have supported me in my ministry, and I ask forgiveness for all my shortcomings. And now let us entrust the fate of the Holy Church to the will of Our Supreme Shepherd, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and ask his Mother, the Holy Virgin Mary, to help the cardinal fathers with her maternal care to choose a new Supreme Pontiff. As for me, I want to serve the Holy Church of Our Lord just as faithfully in the future, devoting my life to prayer.

Vatican, February 10, 2013

(translation by PublicPost)