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Pope cites lack of strength for historic resignation

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    Lauren Green reports from New York City

  • Duration 3:08
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Very big news this morning millions of Catholics around the world waking up to a stunning announcement today from the Vatican.

-- Pope Benedict the sixteenth says that he will resign at the end of this month.

Welcome to a brand -- hour today of America's news around.

I'm Martha MacCallum Bill Hemmer good morning at home Martha good morning to -- great to be back with -- you today.

What -- news today 85 year old -- saying that is for health is the reason for his resignation.

That's a move that could leave Rome without a poll for nearly a month.

Lauren green is live outside Saint Patrick's Cathedral with -- Catholics are reacting to this news today.

So Lauren what's the clergy here in the United States saying about that us.

Play is very interesting because it's at the the realization that they could have a new hope by -- -- -- march 31 went right now a global.

Search of one point two billion Catholics are still trying to absorb the news that Pope Benedict will step down in that about a little more than two weeks.

The Vatican spokesperson saying the resignation was the pope's personal decision without any outside pressure.

And the Pope made his decision in the last few months but it still came suddenly for most everyone including church insiders.

Like New York's hard ultimately Dolan who is the highest ranking bishop in the United States and by all accounts has a more personal relationship with the -- And that -- it is also the president of the US conference of Catholic.

Bishops.

And that kid and I was I was very startled.

I don't know what to say I I myself from them waiting for a for information for instructions is.

As to what what we would do now is the college of cardinals and -- as soon as I find out I'll let you know.

Now it is doubly shocking because Wednesday begins the holiest time of the Christian calendar begins list.

But also the Vatican spokesperson says the Pope may have wanted to avoid many of these strenuous engagements that they -- called on him.

During the month of -- yet you recently that that is the reason why he is stepping down right now.

Well that could be because -- -- be a lot of duties and of course during this.

Most solemn time of the year for Catholics -- kill everybody seems to be shocked by this that there weren't there -- some signals in some ways that that he was.

Perhaps preparing for transition in some -- line.

Hindsight is always 28 point you can go back to the -- at unprecedented to -- -- -- the united.

Within a year which she elevated about to almost there at thirty cardinals who will be his successor one of them.

Among the cardinals but more telling mine site might be an interview he gave about three years ago it would German journalists.

And which she asks the journalist asked if he would consider resigning and the pump said.

Yes give up hope clearly realizes that he's no longer physically psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office.

That he has a right and under some circumstances also an obligation to resign so he is never ruled it out.

Of course now the next phase will be win the cardinals will convene in -- -- for the conflict issues the next -- Martha mine thank you very much like green out here in New York --

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