Pope Benedict XVI is to resign, the Vatican has confirmed. The announcement Monday, February 11 was a surprise.

Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger's papacy began in 2005. This is reportedly only the second time a head of the Catholic church has stepped down.

Sky News is reporting that the pope will leave office on 28 February.

Reuters, which broke the news of the pope's resignation this morning, is reporting that the pope has said in a statement that his strength is no longer adequate for him to continue in office due to his advanced age. He says he is resigning in "full freedom" and says he is "fully aware of the gravity of this gesture".

The Vatican says Benedict resignation means papacy will be vacant until successor is chosen.

Vatican official says expects period between Benedict resignation and election of successor to be "as brief as possible," foreign media report.