Pope Benedict XVI resignation: BBC's Alan Johnston reports

11 February 2013 Last updated at 12:35 ET Help

The Pope is to resign at the end of this month in an entirely unexpected development, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 85-year-old became Pope Benedict XVI in April 2005 following the death of John Paul II.

The BBC's Alan Johnston reports from Rome, where a large cross has been carried to the Vatican.

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