VATICAN
The Spokesperson for the Vatican, Federico Lombardi on Monday said that Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign on February 28 came as a surprise to them.
Speaking at a press conference in the Vatican on Monday, Federico Lombardi stressed that the new pontiff would be elected in March.
Pope Benedict XVI began his term on April 19, 2005.
Pope Benedict XVI asked Council of Cardinals to gather to elect his successor
Pope Benedict XVI asked Council of Cardinals to gather in order to elect his successor.
The 85-year-old pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, calling his choice "a decision of great importance for the life of the church".
"After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry", he said.
He added "the strength of mind and body were necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in him to the extent that he have had to recognize his incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to him".
He than asked the Council of Cardinals to gather and elect the new Supreme Pontiff.
Speaking at a press conference in the Vatican on Monday, the Spokesperson for the Vatican Federico Lombardi stressed that the new pontiff would be elected in March.
Pope Benedict XVI began his term on April 19, 2005.
Such resignation was unexpected, said Turkish Ambassador in the Vatican
Turkish Ambassador in the Vatican, Prof. Dr. Kenan Gursoy said that Pope Benedict XVI's resignation on February 28 was an unexpected decision.
Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA), Ambassador Gursoy said that the pontiff's resignation came as a surprise to them.
"He was a pontiff not against Turkey's membership in the European Union (EU)," Gursoy also said.
EU "deeply respected" the decision
Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council also expressed that he deeply respected the resignation decision of Pope Benedict XVI.
Releasing a written statement, Van Rompuy said, "I deeply respect the decision of Pope Benedict XVI, especially since it is not in line with tradition. His pontificate has been short but very difficult."
Obama extended thanks and prayers to departing Pope Benedict XVI
US President Barack Obama also sent his thanks and prayers to Pope Benedict XVI who announced on Monday that he would step down on February 28.
Obama said that he and first lady Michelle Obama had warm memories of their 2009 visit with the pope.
Obama offered best wishes to the cardinals who would gather in mid-March to choose Pope Benedict XVI's successor.
UN head thanked Pope Benedict XVI for contribution in dialogue among religions
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also thanked Pope Benedict XVI for his contribution in dialogue among religions.
Earlier on Monday, Pope announced his decision to resign on February 28.
