Skip to content
Author: Zelda Caldwell
Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to resign the papacy during a meeting of cardinals Feb. 11, 2013. The surprise announcement, which he made in Latin, took place in the Hall of the Consistory in the Vatican's apostolic palace. | Vatican Media

In stepping down, Benedict XVI carved out new role as ‘contemplative’ pope

On Feb. 11, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI dropped a bombshell. On Feb. 11, 2013, before a gathering of

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com