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The Pope
In pictures: From Cardinal Ratzinger to Pope Benedict XVI
The life and times of the 265th Pope.
IN A MOVE unprecedented in the modern age, Pope Benedict XVI has announced his resignation.
Citing his “strengths, due to an advanced age” as being “no longer suited” to the role he said he would resign with effect from 28 February.
He is the first pope to resign since 1415 and had been in the role for nearly eight years having, as Cardinal Joseph Alois Ratzinger, succeeded Pope John Paul II in 2005.
Here are his life and times in pictures:
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