[advance_copy]

Raymond Arroyo on CNN just said no one was expecting this resignation. NBC reported that the last pope to resign was in the year 1415.

[sunmars]

I think its right of him, if he feels he will be too ill to carry out his duties, its better to hand over while he is compus mentus and not drag it on for years like john paul did. People need clear direction and he’s given that.

[palmer]

NBC reported that the last pope to resign was in the year 1415.

If true, that was Gregory XII who was one of three popes. He resigned essentially so there could be one pope. (so sayeth google)

[Carriage Hill]

“...the last pope to resign was in the year 1415.”

Thanks; was just going to ask that.

[TomGuy]

Raymond Arroyo on CNN just said no one was expecting this resignation. NBC reported that the last pope to resign was in the year 1415.

There have been 'rumblings' in the media for a couple of weeks about 'can a Pope resign', etc.

I have a feeling that this has been in the works a while (days, weeks, maybe) and some 'rumors' leaked.