Photos: Benedict becomes 1st pope in 600 years to resign
Benedict becomes 1st pope in 600 years to resign
Credit: Getty Images
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 28: The clock on the facade of St Peter's Basilica shows 20:00 CET, the moment when Pope Benedict XVI ceased to be Pontiff on February 28, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He will stay at the Papal Summer residence of Castel Gandolfo until renovations are complete at a monastery in the grounds of the Vatican and will be known as Roman pontiff emeritus or pope emeritus. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
Related:
Pope gives final Sunday blessing before resigning
Could the next pope come from the United States?
Text of pope's announcement he will resign Feb. 28 
Pope to resign Feb. 28, says he's too infirm 
Pope Benedict XVI - Fast Facts
Cardinals celebrate Mass before entering conclave
