POPE BENEDICT XVI TO RESIGNS

POPE Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month in an unexpected development, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.

He became Pope in 2005 following John Paul II\'s death.

Resignations from the papacy are not unknown, but this is the first in the modern era, which has been marked by pontiffs dying while in office.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is quoted as saying he is "greatly shaken by this unexpected news".

The Vatican on Monday said it expected a new pope would be elected next month, after Pope Benedict XVI said he would resign on February 28.
“We should have a new pope for Easter,” Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told reporters, saying a conclave could be held within 15 or 20 days of the resignation READ ON HERE