Pontiff, 85, who has arthritis, says he will step down on 28 February after nearly eight years as head of Catholic churchPope Benedict XVI is to step down as head of the Catholic church at the end of this month, the Vatican has announced.The move, which came without warning, will take place on 28 February and leave the papacy vacant until a successor is chosen.The pope announced his decision in Latin on Monday morning during a meeting of cardinals. He informed them of "a decision of great importance for the life of the church".According to a Vatican statement, Benedict, 85, said he was ... Read More