Shock, grief, acceptance greet news of departure

Pope Benedict XVI held the pastoral staff as he celebrated Christmas midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Declaring that he lacks the strength to do his job, Benedict announced today he will resign Feb. 28, becoming the first pontiff to step down in 600 years. His decision sets the stage for a mid-March conclave to elect a new leader for a Roman Catholic Church in deep turmoil.