No pope has ever "quit" the Catholic Church in the sense of abandoning the Catholic faith or leaving the institution entirely. However, Pope Benedict XVI famously resigned from his office as the Roman Pontiff, an act which is distinct from quitting the Church itself. His resignation made him the first pope in nearly 600 years to step down voluntarily from the papacy.
Pope Benedict XVI's Historic Resignation
Pope Benedict XVI announced his decision to resign on February 11, 2013, with the resignation becoming effective on February 28, 2013, at 20:00 (CET). His choice to step down was primarily due to his "deteriorating strength due to old age and the physical and mental demands of the papacy."
Upon his resignation, Benedict XVI did not leave the Catholic Church; instead, he assumed the title of Pope Emeritus. He continued to live within Vatican City, maintaining his Catholic faith and status as a bishop. This unprecedented move paved the way for the election of his successor, Pope Francis.
Here are the key details surrounding Pope Benedict XVI's resignation:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | February 28, 2013 |
| Time | 20:00 (CET) |
| Cause | Deteriorating strength due to old age and the physical and mental demands of the papacy |
| Outcome | Benedict resigned, became Pope Emeritus, and Pope Francis was elected |
