Leaders of the Catholic church are expressing shock and support following today's unexpected announcement by Pope Benedict that he will step down on February 28. He'll become the first pontiff to abdicate in 600 years. The Most Reverend Paul Bradley is the bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, which covers southwest Michigan, and tells WSJM News it was a "monumental and unforseen decision."
Benedict, who is 85, had said previously that he would resign if he became too old or infirm to carry on. The Vatican says he has no specific medical condition and remains fully lucid. Bishop Bradley says with as close as Pope Benedict was to Pope John Paul II, he may have also decided to not continue until his death.
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Benedict, who is 85, had said previously that he would resign if he became too old or infirm to carry on. The Vatican says he has no specific medical condition and remains fully lucid. Bishop Bradley says with as close as Pope Benedict was to Pope John Paul II, he may have also decided to not continue until his death.
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