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Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation effective February 28, becoming the first pope to resign since 1415

The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI took effect on 28 February 2013 at 20:00 Roman-Vatican Time, following Benedict XVI's announcement of the same on 11 February.

The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI took effect on 28 February 2013 at 20:00 Roman-Vatican Time, following Benedict XVI's announcement of the same on 11 February. It made him the first pope to relinquish the office since Gregory XII was forced to resign in 1415 to end the Western Schism, and the first pope to voluntarily resign since Celestine V in 1294.

All other popes in the modern era have held the position from election until death. Benedict resigned at the age of 85, citing declining health due to old age.

Historical Significance

The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI took effect on 28 February 2013 at 20:00 Roman-Vatican Time, following Benedict XVI's announcement of the same on 11 February.

Key People

Benedict XVI

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Events Before

  1. Actress Parminder Nagra files for divorce from photographer James Stenson due to irreconcilable differences after 3 year

    Actress Parminder Nagra files for divorce from photographer James Stenson due to irreconcilable differences after 3 years of marriage

  2. American actor Dick Van Dyke (86) weds second wife, American make-up artist Arlene Silver (40) in Malibu, California

    American actor Dick Van Dyke (86) weds second wife, American make-up artist Arlene Silver (40) in Malibu, California

  3. "Twilight" actor Peter Facinelli (38) divorces "Beverly Hills 90210" actress Jennie Garth (39) due to irreconcilable dif

    "Twilight" actor Peter Facinelli (38) divorces "Beverly Hills 90210" actress Jennie Garth (39) due to irreconcilable differences after 11 years of marriage

  4. Actress and model Heidi Klum (39) divorces British soul and R&B singer-songwriter Seal (49) due to irreconcilable differ

    Actress and model Heidi Klum (39) divorces British soul and R&B singer-songwriter Seal (49) due to irreconcilable differences after almost seven years of marriage

  5. "The Lion King" becomes highest grossing Broadway show, overtaking "The Phantom of the Opera"

    "The Lion King" becomes highest grossing Broadway show, overtaking "The Phantom of the Opera"

Events After

  1. Dutchman Michael van Gerwen wins his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Peter Wright of Scotland 7-4; it is t

    Dutchman Michael van Gerwen wins his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Peter Wright of Scotland 7-4; it is the first time no Englishman has been in the final

  2. English "Roxy Music" singer-songwriter Bryan Ferry [68] divorces second wife English public relations specialist Amanda

    English "Roxy Music" singer-songwriter Bryan Ferry [68] divorces second wife English public relations specialist Amanda Sheppard [32] after a year and a half of marriage

  3. Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 begins as protesters, riot police and unknown shooters take part in violent events in the c

    Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 begins as protesters, riot police and unknown shooters take part in violent events in the capital, Kiev, culminating after five days in the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych

  4. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 with 239 people on board loses contact and disappears, prompting the most expensive searc

    Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 with 239 people on board loses contact and disappears, prompting the most expensive search effort in history and one of the most enduring aviation mysteries

  5. Russia formally annexes Crimea amid international condemnation

    In February and March 2014, Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine, occupied it, and then annexed it after an illegitimate referendum.

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New FINA rules re competition swimsuits come into effect; all body-length swimsuits banned; men's suits to maximally cov

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10 people are killed, and 120 are injured in a stampede in Luanda, Angola

10 people are killed, and 120 are injured in a stampede in Luanda, Angola

Dutchman Michael van Gerwen wins his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Peter Wright of Scotland 7-4; it is t

Dutchman Michael van Gerwen wins his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Peter Wright of Scotland 7-4; it is the first time no Englishman has been in the final

Lithuania adopts the euro as its currency, replacing the Litas and becoming the 19th member of the Eurozone

Lithuania adopts the euro as its currency, replacing the Litas and becoming the 19th member of the Eurozone

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 11, 2013?
The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI took effect on 28 February 2013 at 20:00 Roman-Vatican Time, following Benedict XVI's announcement of the same on 11 February. It made him the first pope to relinquish the office since Gregory XII was forced to resign in 1415 to end the Western Schism, and the first pope to voluntarily resign since Celestine V in 1294. All other popes in the modern era have held the position from election until death.
Why is Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation effective February 28, becoming t... significant?
The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI took effect on 28 February 2013 at 20:00 Roman-Vatican Time, following Benedict XVI's announcement of the same on 11 February.
Who was involved in Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation effective February 28, becoming t...?
Key figures include Benedict XVI.

Explore More

February 11 in HistoryYear 2013