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Pope resigns

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a mass for Latin America, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 12, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI says he hopes to travel to Cuba and Mexico sometime before Easter and wants to strengthen the faith and encourage Catholics there to seek love, justice and hope. During the Mass honoring Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, in his homily, the 84-year-old pope said he hoped his trip would help build a society
Catherine Johnston
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a mass for Latin America, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 12, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI says he hopes to travel to Cuba and Mexico sometime before Easter and wants to strengthen the faith and encourage Catholics there to seek love, justice and hope. During the Mass honoring Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, in his homily, the 84-year-old pope said he hoped his trip would help build a society
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a mass for Latin America, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 12, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI says he hopes to travel to Cuba and Mexico sometime before Easter and wants to strengthen the faith and encourage Catholics there to seek love, justice and hope. During the Mass honoring Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, in his homily, the 84-year-old pope said he hoped his trip would help build a society "rooted in the development of the common good, the triumph of love and the spread of justice." (Riccardo Luca / Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI announced he will resign on February 28 due to his failing health. He is the first pope in 600 years to do so. A new pope will be elected in March and be in place by Easter (March 31). The process of electing a pope is interesting and unique. Stay tuned.

(S-R archives photo: Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a mass for Latin America, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 12, 2011.)

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "EndNotes." Read all stories from this blog