The last Pope to retire due to health issues was Pope Benedict XVI, who made history by becoming the first pope to voluntarily resign in nearly 600 years. His resignation on February 28, 2013, shocked the world and marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church.

The Life of Pope Benedict XVI Before His Resignation

Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, 1927, in Marktl, Germany, he grew up in a deeply religious family and witnessed the turmoil of World War II. He was forced to join the Hitler Youth as a teenager (as was mandatory at the time) but deserted the German army before the war ended. After the war, he pursued his theological studies and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1951.

Ratzinger became a respected theologian and played a major role in the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). Over the decades, he rose through the Church’s ranks, serving as Archbishop of Munich, then as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), where he became known as a strict defender of Catholic doctrine.

On April 19, 2005, following the death of Pope John Paul II, he was elected the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He chose the name Benedict XVI, in honor of Saint Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism.

The Challenges of His Papacy

Pope Benedict XVI faced numerous challenges during his papacy:

1. Sexual Abuse Scandals – The Church was grappling with widespread sexual abuse allegations involving priests, which deeply affected Benedict’s tenure. He apologized to victims and took steps to discipline abusers, but critics believed his efforts were not enough.

2. Vatican Leaks ("Vatileaks") – Internal Vatican documents were leaked, revealing corruption and mismanagement within the Church.

3. Theological Conservatism – Benedict upheld traditional Catholic teachings, opposing gay marriage, abortion, and contraception, which made him a polarizing figure in modern Catholic discussions.

4. Declining Church Membership – The rise of secularism in Europe and other parts of the world posed a challenge to the Church’s influence.

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The Decision to Resign

By 2012, Pope Benedict XVI’s health had significantly declined. He suffered from arthritis, fatigue, and physical weakness, which made it difficult for him to carry out his duties. He later revealed that he had been losing strength both mentally and physically, making it impossible for him to effectively lead the Church.

On February 11, 2013, during a routine consistory of cardinals, Benedict made a shocking announcement in Latin:

"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."

This marked the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years, the last being Pope Gregory XII in 1415 (who stepped down to end the Western Schism). His resignation took effect on February 28, 2013, at 8:00 PM Rome time.

His Life After Resignation

After stepping down, Benedict XVI took the title "Pope Emeritus", a new designation for a retired pope. He lived a secluded life in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery within Vatican City, dedicating his time to prayer, reading, and writing. He rarely made public appearances, allowing his successor, Pope Francis, to fully take over the responsibilities of the papacy.

Despite his withdrawal from public life, his influence remained. He occasionally made statements defending traditional Catholic teachings and maintained correspondence with theologians and church leaders.

His Passing

Pope Benedict XVI passed away on December 31, 2022, at the age of 95, in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. His funeral was held on January 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Pope Francis—a rare occurrence where a sitting pope led the funeral of a former pope.

Legacy

Pope Benedict XVI's resignation set a precedent that future popes could voluntarily step down if their health prevented them from serving effectively. His legacy remains a complex mix of theological brilliance, controversial decisions, and an unexpected yet historic decision to retire.

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