abstract:The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI occurred on 28 February 2013 at 20:00 CET (19:00 UTC). The resignation was first announced on the morning of 11 February 2013 by the Vatican.
Cardinals from around the globe have been summoned to Rome to take part in the process of choosing the next pontiff, after the resignationofPopeBenedictXVI last week.
That is because, unlike past conclaves that follow the unexpected death of a pope, the resignationofBenedictXVI had been announced on Feb. 11, giving cardinals time to reflect.