Pope Benedict XVI resigned. Part II
13 PHOTOS
Is it normal for popes to resign?
The previous pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII in 1415. He stepped down to end the "Great Western Schism" -- during which there were rival claims to the papal throne.
Another case - in 1294, Pope Celestine V resigned after only five months, preferring the simple life of a monk to the majesty of being pope.
Canon law states that a resignation must be made freely and properly manifested and that the pope resigning must be of sound mind.
| Pope Benedict XVI is twitting | |
