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Pope Celestine V resigns, after just over 5 months in office

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.

Events Before

  1. After 100 years of Crusader control, the last Crusader stronghold of Acre is reconquered and destroyed by the Mamluks un

    After 100 years of Crusader control, the last Crusader stronghold of Acre is reconquered and destroyed by the Mamluks under Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil

  2. Egyptian Mamluks occupy Acre and drive the last Crusaders out of Palestine

    Acre ( AH-kər, AY-kər), known in Hebrew as Akko and in Arabic as Akka, is a city in the coastal plain region of the Northern District of Israel. The city occupies a strategic location, sitting in a...

  3. The Everlasting League is signed by Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, forming the basis of the Swiss Confederation (independ

    The Everlasting League is signed by Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, forming the basis of the Swiss Confederation (independence)

  4. (O.S.) John Balliol becomes King of Scots

    (O.S.) John Balliol becomes King of Scots

  5. Earthquake strikes Kamakura, Japan, 30,000 killed

    Earthquake strikes Kamakura, Japan, 30,000 killed

Events After

  1. English King Edward I calls what later becomes known as "The Model Parliament," extending the authority of its represent

    English King Edward I calls what later becomes known as "The Model Parliament," extending the authority of its representatives

  2. Pope Boniface VIII enters Rome

    Pope Boniface VIII (Latin: Bonifacius PP. VIII, Italian: Bonifacio VIII; born Benedetto Caetani; c. 1230 – 11 October 1303) was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 24...

  3. Scotland and France form an alliance, the beginnings of the Auld Alliance, against England

    The Auld Alliance (Scots for "Old Alliance") was an alliance between the kingdoms of Scotland and France against England made in 1295.

  4. Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan departs Mingzhou for Angkor, chief city of the Khmer Empire; he will be the first foreigner

    Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan departs Mingzhou for Angkor, chief city of the Khmer Empire; he will be the first foreigner to describe life in the city [1]

  5. Pope Boniface VIII decree Clericis Iaicos

    Pope Boniface VIII decree Clericis Iaicos

More from the 1290s

Round Table tournament held near Winchester, England, in imitation of King Arthur, to commemorate betrothal of daughter

Round Table tournament held near Winchester, England, in imitation of King Arthur, to commemorate betrothal of daughter of Edward I, and attended by the king

Joan of Acre (18), daughter of Edward I marries (1) Gilbert de Clare, Duke of Hertford at Westminster Abbey.

Edward I (17/18 June 1239 – 7 July 1307), also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots (Latin: Malleus Scotorum), was King of England from 1272 to 1307.

After 100 years of Crusader control, the last Crusader stronghold of Acre is reconquered and destroyed by the Mamluks un

After 100 years of Crusader control, the last Crusader stronghold of Acre is reconquered and destroyed by the Mamluks under Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil

Princess Margaret (15), daughter of Edward I of England marries Duke Brabant John II (14) at Westminster Abbey, London

Princess Margaret (15), daughter of Edward I of England marries Duke Brabant John II (14) at Westminster Abbey, London

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on December 13, 1294?
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 Celestine V resigns, after just over 5 months in office 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.

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December 13 in HistoryYear 1294