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There was a huge shock the Catholic Church Monday. Its leader Pope Benedict XVI resigned. No one knew he would resign. He even surprised all the people who worked closely him. It is the first time a pope has resigned nearly 600 years. The last papal resignation was 1415. The Archbishop Paris said resigning as Pope was a "taboo". However, he said it was a good decision because future popes would have more freedom to quit if they needed to. The Holy Father will be head the Catholic Church until 8pm February the 28th. March the 1st, Vatican leaders will start looking a new pope. Many Catholics hope their next leader will be the developing world.

Benedict, 85, said he was too old to do his job properly. He became Pope 2005 the age 77. He said that to perform the role pope, "both strength mind and body are necessary". He admitted that the past few months he has not felt strong enough to do his job properly. His 89-year-old brother, Georg Ratzinger, told reporters: "My brother would like more rest this age." Benedict had to manage some big scandals his time as Pope. These included the truth coming about thousands of children being sexually abused priests. The Church covered this many decades. Meanwhile, world leaders have made statements to thank Benedict his work the past eight years.