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Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation as Pope, from the Vatican today 11th February, 2013. His speech intimating his resignation, was given in Latin, he will leave office on 28th February, 2013. His announcement was greeted with shock from all corners of the world. Benedict XVI, who is 85, was appointed Pope in 2005, following the death of the then Pontiff, Pope John Paul II. BenedictXVI was 78 on his appointment and was the oldest Pontiff to be elected for 300 years. A Conclave (meeting) of College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church took place to "elect" the then Cardinal Ratzinger as the new Pontiff. Cardinal Ratzinger, then took the name of Benedict XVI. He will have held office for only eight years. A Pope, once elected does not normally resign from "office" and has not done so in living memory. Only after the death of a pontiff, does this "trigger" an election for a new Pontiff. Benedict XVI now makes history, since the last Pontiff to resign and not to die in office was Pope Gregory XII, who resigned his pontifical office in 1415 A.D. BenedictXVI indicated the reason for his resignation was on health grounds, although no immediate health concerns were cited. A "conclave" will now be called and a new Pontiff elected by the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church, which is due to commence on the 18th March, 2013 with a new pontiff being elected by Easter, 2013.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agothe pope the in charge now is Pope Benedict the XVI
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoPope Francis became pope on March 13, 2013, and as of December 2014 is still the current pope.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe current pope is Pope Francis who was elected on March 13, 2013.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoPope Benedict XVI is the current (2011) pope.
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Why is the Bishop of Rome now called the pope?
Because the pope is head of Roman-Catholicism.
Why is Rome holy to Catholics?
Because Rome is where the successor of St. Peter is the bishop. This person is the pope. St. Peter was given special authority by Jesus and was martyred in Rome. When he died, the his authority went to the next pope. The pope now is Pope Benedict XVI. Paul was also martyred in Rome and he is also very important to Christianity.
Where can you meet Pope Benedict?
Pope Benedict is now retired and, as best I can determine, accepts few visitors.
Is the pope the Bishop of Rome?
Yes, the pope is the bishop of Rome.
What were the bishops of Rome called?
The bishop of Rome is the pope. Currently pope Francis is the bishop of rome
Who is the first pope to visit Rome?
Saint Peter was the first pope in Rome.
Which pope saved Rome from the Huns?
Pope Leo saved Rome from the Huns.
Who was the last German pope?
To the best of my knowledge there is no Pope just of Germany, normally when one is speaking of the Pope, one is speaking of the Pope in Rome who is Pope of the Catholic Church and thus pope for the entire world, including Germany. Which was Pope Benedict XVI, and is now Pope Francis.
Who was the pope of Rome in 1892?
There is no 'pope of Rome.' The popes are of the Universal Church. Pope Leo XIII was in office in 1892.
Was Henry viii richer after the break of rome?
Yes as he now gained from the taxes the Pope used to recieve.
Is Pope Benedict the Bishop of Rome?
Yes! he is automatically a Bishop of Rome.
How many previous bishops of Rome have there been?
Pope Francis is the 266th pope or bishop of Rome.
