Pope Benedict to…What? Retire?

For the first time in 600 years, the Pontiff will resign. The purported reason? Age.

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.

Real reason? Unknown, as of now. The 85-year-old Pope Benedict XVI, aka Joseph Ratzinger, will remain in the Vatican until February 28th. The conclave should take place in mid-March, just in time for that spring break trip to Italy. [Wash Post]