Officials. Reading a statement in latin saying that hell resign effective february 28th at 8 00 p. M. Local time. He said in the last few months, that his mind and body, have quote, deteriorated. Im shocked and startled as of all of you. Reporter this morning, reaction from new yorks cardinal dolan. Theres a somberness there. Theres a sadness there. Reporter benedict, whos 85 years old, has been pope since april 2005 who took over for the immensely popular Pope John Paul ii. His papacy has been marked by controversy. The pope criticized for how he handled the situation in his prior jobs when he was archbishop in germany and later a top vatican official. On a visit to america in 2008, he became the first pope to meet with the victims themselves. On a lighter note, benedict has become known as his personal idiosyncracies like his bright red shoes. Hes been using a moveable platform to carry him down the aisle of st. Peters basilica. This morning after he made his announcement, he was hel