Pope Benedict XVI resignation 'a brave move'

The Pope is to resign at the end of this month in an entirely unexpected development, saying he is too old continue at the age of 85.

He became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 following the John Paul II's death.

Resignations from the papacy are not unknown, but this is the first in the modern era, which has been marked by pontiffs dying while in office.

Damian Thompson, former editor of the Catholic Herald, said that the Pope had made "a brave move" in deciding to leave his post.