-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/16/KYFGg.St.138.jpeg|409In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, sitting on the throne at left, attends a meeting of Vatican cardinals, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/16/mEOxc.St.138.jpeg|525iIn this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing at the end of a meeting of Vatican cardinals, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/16/TPOSU.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - FEBRUARY 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 LONDON - SEPTEMBER 18: Pope Benedict XVI attends a Mass at Westminster Cathedral during the third day of his State Visit on September 18, 2010 in London, England. During the four day visit Pope Benedict will celebrate mass, conduct a prayer vigil as well as beatify Cardinal Newman at an open air mass in Cofton Park. His Holiness will meet The Queen as well as political and religious representatives. (Photo by Andrew Winning - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/16/9fJMk.St.138.jpeg|468FILE - FEBRUARY 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Pope Benedict XVI kisses a baby as he arrives in Hyde Park on September 18, 2010 in London, England. Pope Benedict XVI is conducting the first state visit to the UK by a Pontiff. During the four day visit Pope Benedict will celebrate mass, conduct a prayer vigil as well as beatify Cardinal Newman at an open air mass in Cofton Park. His Holiness also meet with The Queen as well as political and religious representatives. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/LkKMN.St.138.jpeg|471FILE - February 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013. HAVANA, CUBA - MARCH 28: Pope Benedict XVI conducts his mass at Havana's Revolution Square on the last day of his three day visit on March 28, 2012 in Havana, Cuba. Fourteen years after Pope John Paul II visited Cuba, Pope Benedict is making his first trip to the communist country. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/1sxIqa.St.138.jpeg|415FILE - FEBRUARY 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013. ROME, ITALY - APRIL 06: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful gathered at the Colosseum during the Way Of The Cross procession on Good Friday April 6, 2012 in Rome, Italy. The traditional Catholic procession on Good Friday recalls the crucifixion of Jesus Christ ahead of Sunday's Easter holiday. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/FenDU.St.138.jpeg|416VATICAN CITY, VATICAN CITY - FEBRUARY 9: Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra Matthew Festing stands near Pope Benedict XVI during a mass given to mark the 900th anniversary of the official recognition of the Order of Malta by Pope Pascal II on February 9, 2013 in the Vatican City, Italy. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI addressed over 4,000 members of the Order of Malta who have travelled from across the world to Rome to celebrate this event. The mass was presided over by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State of the Holy See. (Photo by Remo Cassili/Sovereign Order of Malta Press Office via Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/ewsqS.St.138.jpeg|416FILE - February 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 COLOGNE, GERMANY - AUGUST 18: German-born Pope Benedict XVI stands before a German flag upon his arrival at Koeln Bonn airport August 18, 2005 in Cologne, Germany. The Pope is paying a four-day visit to Germany to attend World Youth Day, which has drawn hundreds of thousands of Catholic pilgrims from all over the world. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/kmfVN.St.138.jpeg|427FILE - February 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 CZESTOCHOWA, POLAND - MAY 26: Pope Benedict XVI kisses the altar before addressing the faithful at the Basilica of the Black Madonna in Jasna Gora Monastery on 26 May, 2006, Czestochowa. Poland. The Pope is visiting The Jasna Gora Shrine, the home of The Black Madonna which represents an image of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus, during his tour of Poland following the footsteps of the late Pope Jean Paul II. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/1tapBZ.St.138.jpeg|439FILE - FEBRUARY 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 PENTLING, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 13: Pope Benedict XVI leaves the garden of his house on September 13, 2006 in Pentling near Regensburg, Germany.The Pope is visiting Bavaria from September 9-14 and is spent a private day today in and around Regensburg, where he had lunch with his brother Georg Ratzinger and visited the cemetery where his parents are buried. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/Mtyor.St.138.jpeg|484FILE - February 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 VATICAN CITY, VATICAN CITY - OCTOBER 18: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowds of pilgrims as he moves around Piazza S. Pietro in his popemobile during his wekly audience on October 18, 2006 in the Vatican City, Italy (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/qEyJD.St.138.jpeg|452FILE - February 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 ROME - OCTOBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI attends a mass at Verona Stadium during a one day visit in the town of Romeo and Juliet, on October 19, 2006 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/1ijySz.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - February 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 SELCUK, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 29: Pope Benedict XVI looks during the holy mass beside of the house of the Virgin Mary November 29, 2006 in Ephesus, near Selcuk, Turkey. The pope is on his first four day visit to the Muslim country. (Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/pKzLM.St.138.jpeg|415FILE - FEBRUARY 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013 GUARANTIGUETA, BRAZIL - MAY 12: Pope Benedict XVI embraces children during a visit at the Fazenda da Esperanca, a facility for recovering drug addicts, May 12, 2007 in Guaratingueta, Brazil. The pope is on a five-day visit to Brazil. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/1afzO6.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - In this May 10, 2007 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI reacts while looking at fireworks during an event at the Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on Feb. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/C21HX.St.138.jpeg|416FILE - In this Tuesday, March 17, 2009, file photo, an African clergyman kisses Pope Benedict XVI's ring as the pope arrives at the airport in Yaounde, Cameroon. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/16FpdG.St.138.jpeg|423FILE - In this Wednesday, March 28, 2012 file photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano Pope Benedict XVI meets with Fidel Castro in Havana. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/UyGec.St.138.jpeg|413FILE - In this March 28, 2012 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful as he arrives to lead a Mass at Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on Feb. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/grLNn.St.138.jpeg|439FILE- In this Wednesday, May 13, 2009 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI, center, waves to Palestinians as he leaves after a ceremony at the Aida Refugee Camp, back dropped by the separation barrier in the West Bank town of Bethlehem. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/oKcyc.St.138.jpeg|426FILE - In this Friday, May 15, 2009 file photo provided the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI prays at the sepulchre, the traditional site where Jesus was buried, inside the the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, in Jerusalem's Old City. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/jTX2o.St.138.jpeg|416FILE - In this Tuesday, May 12, 2009 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI places a note in the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years.(AP Photo/David Silverman, Pool)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/1pseZz.St.138.jpeg|394FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI, standing at center, waves from his popemobile on his way to the Spanish Steps in central Rome, for the traditional prayer before a statue of the Virgin Mary on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini. File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/hQsH.St.138.jpeg|423FILE - In this March 25, 2012 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI waves from the popemobile wearing a Mexican sombrero as he arrives to give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on Feb. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/x4wbL.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - In this March 26, 2012 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd during his departure ceremony at the airport in Silao, Mexico. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on Feb. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/1lTyaF.St.138.jpeg|525A 2010 portrait of Pope Benedict XVI by German artist Michael Triegel is shown in this undated photo released to the press on Dec. 10, 2010. The painting is part of a solo exhibition at Museum der Bildenden Kuenste in Leipzig, Germany. The pope called Triegel his "Raphael." Source: Museum der Bildenden Kuenste via Bloomberg EDITOR'S NOTE: NO SALES. EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/1hubIC.St.138.jpeg|415Pope Benedict XVI prays before the Western Wall in the old city of Jerusalem, on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Benedict visited Jerusalemís Temple Mount, a holy site for Jews and Muslims and a point of political contention between Israelis and Palestinians, on the second day of his five-day visit to Israel and the West Bank. Photographer: Ahikam Seri/Bloomberg News
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/hjvsE.St.138.jpeg|450Pope Benedict XVI, left, departs from an official welcoming ceremony with Shimon Peres, Israel's president, at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem, Israel, on Monday, May 11, 2009. Peres welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to Israel in Latin, Hebrew, and English and said he was certain the visit marked "a continuation of dialogue" between Christians and Jews. Photographer: Ahikam Seri/Bloomberg News
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/185VCb.St.138.jpeg|406Pope Benedict XVI speaks upon his arrival in Cologne, Germany August 18, 2005, where he will attend the World Youth Day festivities. Photographer: Jose Giribas/Bloomberg News.
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/tx6bd.St.138.jpeg|404Pope Benedict XVI stands with former President George Bush during the national anthem on the South Lawn of the White House on April 16, 2008, during the Pope's visit to the United States. The pope announced on Feb. 11, 2013 that he would step down as head of the Catholic Church. Illustrates POPE-POST (category i), by Anthony Faiola and Michelle Boostein, (c) The Washington Post. Moved Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (MUST CREDIT: Washington Post file photo by Richard A. Lipski)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/f0RzA.St.138.jpeg|415Pope Benedict XVI greets people after holding mass at Nationals Park in Washington on April 17, 2008. The pope announced on Feb. 11, 2013 that he would step down as head of the Catholic Church. Illustrates POPE-POST (category i), by Anthony Faiola and Michelle Boostein, (c) The Washington Post. Moved Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (MUST CREDIT: Washington Post file photo by Richard A. Lipski)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/tWCP0.St.138.jpeg|438FILE - In this Wednesday, April 16, 2008 file photo, President Bush and Pope Benedict XVI walk down the Colonnade of the White House in Washington, following an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/136cA5.St.138.jpeg|425FILE - In this Sunday, April 20, 2008 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI prays as New York Cardinal Edward Egan, left, looks on during a ceremony for first responders, survivors and victim's families at ground zero in New York. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, Pool)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/16s67K.St.138.jpeg|525Spanish Cardinal Rouco Varela, centre speaks beneath a portrait of Pope Benedict XVI during a news conference where he gave his reaction on the news of the Pope resigning, in Madrid, Spain Monday Feb. 11, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI said Monday he lacks the strength to fulfill his duties and on Feb. 28 will become the first pontiff in 600 years to resign. The announcement sets the stage for a conclave in March to elect a new leader for world's 1 billion Catholics. (AP Photo/Paul White)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/heMdr.St.138.jpeg|404FILE - In this Thursday, March 25, 2010 file photo Pope Benedict XVI gestures from his popemobile as he leaves a youth gathering, in St. Peter's square, at the Vatican. When he became pope at age 78, Benedict XVI was already the oldest pontiff elected in nearly 300 years. He's now 85, and in recent years he has slowed down significantly, cutting back his foreign travel and limiting his audiences. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/9BVSs.St.138.jpeg|376FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI is seen behind a window of his pope-mobile as he delivers his blessing to faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for his general audience, at the Vatican. Benedict always cast himself as the reluctant pope, a shy bookworm who preferred solitary walks in the Alps to the public glare and the majesty of Vatican pageantry. But once in office, he never shied from charting the Catholic Church on the course he thought it needed _ a determination reflected in his stunning announcement Monday that he would be the first pope to resign since 1415. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/GROCC.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - In this summer 1952 photo provided by the German Catholic News Agency KNA, German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, center, celebrates Mass in the mountains of Ruhpolding, southern Germany. Ratzinger went on to be elected pope in 2005, assuming the name of Benedict XVI. The Vatican announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 that Pope Benedict is stepping down on Feb. 28, becoming the first pontiff in 600 years to resign. (AP Photo/KNA, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/17HubO.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - In this Sunday, Sunday, April 24, 2005 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI waves as he rides on the Popemobile through St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, following his installment Mass. Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, he would resign Feb. 28 because he is simply too old to carry on. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/110lYv.St.138.jpeg|423FILE - In this Sunday, March 25, 2012 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI waves from the popemobile wearing a Mexican sombrero as he arrives to give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico. Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, he would resign Feb. 28 because he is simply too old to carry on. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/i0Om3.St.138.jpeg|416FILE - This April 24, 2005 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI,center, holding a cross as he celebrates his installment Mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, April 24, 2005. Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, that he would resign on Feb. 28 because he was simply too infirm to carry on - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, files)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/RfUhi.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - This April 24, 2005 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI opening his arms as he celebrates his installment Mass in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 that he would resign on Feb. 28 because he was simply too infirm to carry on - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/53lTN.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2005 file photo Pope Benedict XVI wipes his face during a solemn adoration of the Eucharist in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 Benedict XVI announced he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis, files)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/9h4Fs.St.138.jpeg|413FILE - This May 25, 2006 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI lifting his scull cap during an ecumenical meeting at the Holy Trinity church in Warsaw, Poland. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 Benedict XVI announced he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Diether Endlicher, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/W7T8C.St.138.jpeg|416FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 28, 2011file photo provided by the Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI receives a delegation of religious leaders from all over the world he met at a peace meeting in Assisi yesterday, at the Vatican . (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/1g0n6l.St.138.jpeg|492FILE - This April 19, 2005 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI greeting the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica moments after being elected, at the Vatican. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 Benedict XVI announced he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis/FILE)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/CaWi2.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - This Nov. 22, 2010 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI leaving at the end of an audience with newly-appointed cardinals and their relatives, in Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on Feb. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/sEtOT.St.138.jpeg|391FILE - This June 16, 2010 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI leaving at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on Feb. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/UQvRv.St.138.jpeg|413FILE - In this Wednesday Nov. 14, 2007 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI gives his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/15/16wCX.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - In this Sunday, April 1, 2007, file photo, Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims and faithful during an open-air Palm Sunday Mass celebrated in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Declaring that he lacks the strength to do his job, Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013, he will resign Feb. 28 _ becoming the first pontiff to step down in 600 years. His decision sets the stage for a mid-March conclave to elect a new leader for a Roman Catholic Church in deep turmoil. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/suCXl.St.138.jpeg|465FILE - This April 19, 2005 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI greeting the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica moments after being elected, at the Vatican. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 Benedict XVI announced he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis/FILE)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/UORHH.St.138.jpeg|412FILE - In this Oct. 22, 1978 file photo, Pope John Paul II places his hands on the shoulders of West German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, archbishop of Munich and Freising, during the solemn inauguration of his ministry as universal Pastor of the Church in Vatican City. Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 that he will resign on Feb. 28. The 85-year-old pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals. (AP Photo)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/1j8yLz.St.138.jpeg|462FILE - In this Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, file photo, Pope Benedict XVI holds the pastoral staff as he celebrates Christmas midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Declaring that he lacks the strength to do his job, Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013, he will resign Feb. 28 _ becoming the first pontiff to step down in 600 years. His decision sets the stage for a mid-March conclave to elect a new leader for a Roman Catholic Church in deep turmoil. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/1dLwg6.St.138.jpeg|525A woman reads a copy of the Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano at a newsstand at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Declaring that he lacks the strength to do his job, Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 he will resign Feb. 28, becoming the first pontiff to step down in 600 years. His decision sets the stage for a mid-March conclave to elect a new leader for a Roman Catholic Church in deep turmoil. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/WDzz1.St.138.jpeg|396FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 file photo Pope Benedict XVI, right, welcomes Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. (AP Photo/Claudio Peri, Pool, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/rOgvP.St.138.jpeg|444In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, right, and Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals, hug each other after the pontiff announced during the meeting of Vatican cardinals that he would resign on Feb. 28, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/5yYP7.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - This April 24, 2005 file photo shows Vatican master of Ceremonies Archbishop Piero Marini, not pictured, adjusting the skullcap of Pope Benedict XVI during his installment Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI said Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 he lacks the strength to fulfill his duties and on Feb. 28 will become the first pontiff in 600 years to resign. The announcement sets the stage for a conclave in March to elect a new leader for world's 1 billion Catholics. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, files)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/eufN2.St.138.jpeg|434FILE - In this April 28, 2009 file photo provided then by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI stands by the salvaged remains of Pope Celestine V, in the 13th-century Santa Maria di Collemaggio Basilica, the symbol of the city of L'Aquila, whose roof partially caved in during the quake. Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 that he would resign on Feb. 28 because he was simply too infirm to carry on - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. Pope Celestine V, the 13th-century hermit and saint, was one of the earlier popes to resign. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/14jkcz.St.138.jpeg|486FILE - In this Friday, March 23, 2012 file photo, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, left, looks on as Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by children at the airport in Silao, Mexico, his first to the country. Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, he would resign Feb. 28 because he is simply too old to carry on. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/rhzNY.St.138.jpeg|464In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI reads a document in Latin where he announces his resignation, during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/1mFipL.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - This Nov. 26, 2011 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI waving as he leaves Paul VI hall after attending a concert of the Asturias Principality Symphony Orchestra directed by Chilean conductor Maximiano Valdes, at the Vatican. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will resign on Feb. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/ Isabella Bonotto, file)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/9Hhgb.St.138.jpeg|525FILE - February 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013. VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - NOVEMBER 25: Pope Benedict XVI attends a mass with newly appointed cardinals at the St. Peter's Basilica on November 25, 2012 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff installed six new cardinals during his fifth concistory, who will be responsible for choosing his sucessor. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
-
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2013/02/11/17/14/19Vxe.St.138.jpeg|415iitFILE - February 11, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on February 28, 2013. VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - DECEMBER 24: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithfuls as he leaves St. Peter's Basilica at the end of the Christmas night mass on December 24, 2012 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Loading in additional galleries
