Pope Benedict the 16th was already the oldest pope elected in 300 years at the age of 78 and now he becomes the first pope to resign in 600 years.
The Vatican is indicating that it's not so much any one major health reason as it is his advanced age that's behind his decision to step down. That the truth of the matter is his just not physically able to keep up with the demands of the job anymore.
Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski says there is no question this decision by the 85-year-old sets him apart.
Wenski says because the pope is stepping down, there is no need for the traditional nine-day mourning period when a pontiff dies in office.
And that the College of Cardinals very well may have a successor right after his final day February 28th.
The Pope and Fidel Castro even joked about their advanced age when the two met during his recent trip to Cuba.