Pope resigning on Feb 28, conclave in March

Vatican City, Feb 11 (AP) Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he will resign on February 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. The 85-year-old pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals this morning. He said that because of his advanced age and diminishing strength, he didn't feel he could carry on the job. (AP) NSA 02111647 NNNN