Vatican City - Citing his advanced age and poor health, Pope Benedict XVI surprised Roman Catholics around world with his resignation. Breaking tradition, he becomes the first Pope to resign in over six centuries. His final day in office is February 28^th.

Benedict, 85, was elected to the office in 2005 after the death of John Paul II. Benedict was known as a staunch supporter of traditional church doctrine, making him a divisive figure in the eyes of many inside the church.

A loose deadline of March 31^st has been set to elect his successor.