The day Pope Benedict XVI resigned

Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation at the Vatican on February 11, 2013. Only a few advisers knew of the pope's plan beforehand and many leaders of the Vatican hierarchy were caught off guard, with Cardinal Angelo Sodano saying the announcement came "like a lightning bolt in a clear blue sky"

Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation at the Vatican on February 11, 2013. Only a few advisers knew of the pope's plan beforehand and many leaders of the Vatican hierarchy were caught off guard, with Cardinal Angelo Sodano saying the announcement came "like a lightning bolt in a clear blue sky"