Full text of Pope Benedict XVI's declaration February 11, 2013 -- Updated 1459 GMT (2259 HKT) (CNN) -- Pope Benedict XVI on Monday said he plans on resigning the papal office on February 28. The following is the full text of Benedict's declaration: Dear Brothers, I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you 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. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is. Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer. From the Vatican, 10 February 2013 What do you think about the Pope's decision to resign? If you are a Catholic, how will it affect you? Send us your thoughts and recollections. February 11, 2013 -- Updated 1510 GMT (2310 HKT) Pope Benedict XVI is to resign, the Vatican says. The 85-year-old head of the Catholic Church said he was stepping down "because of advanced age." February 11, 2013 -- Updated 1436 GMT (2236 HKT) Pope Benedict's German background has always been a talking point. CNN's Fred Pletigen takes a look at Pope's German roots. Pope Benedict XVI on Monday said he plans on resigning the papal office on February 28. Click here for the full text of Benedict's declaration. February 11, 2013 -- Updated 1254 GMT (2054 HKT) After his resignation, Benedict, 85, will probably retire to a monastery and devote himself to a life of prayer. Look back at his time as Pope. February 11, 2013 -- Updated 1413 GMT (2213 HKT) Pope Benedict directed the church's response to decades of abuse by its priests. CNN's Nic Robertson reports. February 11, 2013 -- Updated 1545 GMT (2345 HKT) February 11, 2013 -- Updated 1230 GMT (2030 HKT) Pope Benedict XVI told the Roman Catholic Church that he will resign because of his advanced age and his diminishing "vigor." February 11, 2013 -- Updated 1358 GMT (2158 HKT) CNN's Jim Bittermann looks at the legacy and controversies that have marked Pope Benedict XVI's reign. December 12, 2012 -- Updated 1751 GMT (0151 HKT) The wait is over for Pope Benedict XVI's many Twitter followers, and they have been quick to respond to the much anticipated first tweet. November 23, 2012 -- Updated 1556 GMT (2356 HKT) A book released by Pope Benedict XVI last year looks at the early life of Jesus -- and debunks several myths about how the Nativity unfolded. October 22, 2012 -- Updated 0930 GMT (1730 HKT) Thousands of miles away in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI named 17th century Mohawk Kateri Tekakwitha the first Native American saint. December 25, 2012 -- Updated 1459 GMT (2259 HKT) In his annual Christmas message, Pope Benedict prayed for peace around the world including Syria, Asia and the Mideast. TIME: Virtually every article of his clothing carries historical meaning. Benedict has revived many traditions and introduced a few innovations.