This nations highest award for military valor. Nightly news begins now. From nbc news World Headquarters in new york, this is nbc nightly news with brian williams. Good evening. It came out of nowhere. And it stunned the over 1 billion catholics around the world when the pope announced early this morning, our time, he is stepping down, abdicating. This hasnt happened in seven centuries. Pope benedict has served during a troubling time for the Catholic Church. He says he doesnt have the strength to carry on. His departure now opens up the potential for a huge period of change for a church thats been faced with changing times around the world. We have two reports to start with tonight, beginning with our chief foreign correspondent, richard engel. Richard, good evening. Reporter good evening, brian. Even the popes closest aides said they were stunned. The pope was expected to address a routine meeting of cardinals when he made this announcement. The pope surprised everyone, announcing in
Nightly news begins now. From nbc news World Headquarters in new york, this is nbc nightly news with brian williams. Good evening. It came out of nowhere. And it stunned the over 1 billion catholics around the world when the pope announced early this morning, our time, he is stepping down, abdicating. This hasnt happened in seven centuries. Pope benedict has served during a troubling time for the Catholic Church. He says he doesnt have the strength to carry on. His departure now opens up the potential for a huge period of change for a church thats been faced with changing times around the world. We have two reports to start with tonight, beginning with our chief foreign correspondent, richard engel. Richard, good evening. Reporter good evening, brian. Even the popes closest aides said they were stunned. The pope was expected to address a routine meeting of cardinals when he made this announcement. The pope surprised everyone, announcing in latin he was stepping down. I have to recogniz
Relying on a cane. The pope wants more rest, said his 89yearold brother in germany. He said his brother has been thinking about stepping down for months. And had been advised by his doctors not to take anymore long, international flights, such as a planned trip to brazil in july. The popes decision is unprecedented in modern times. The last similar case was Pope Celestine v, who had praise for Pope Benedict today. He has given church the last Great Service he will give the church. Hes stepping off the stage when he feels he cant exercise the office of peter. Reporter benedict seemed to many a reluctant pope, as Cardinal Ratzinger under john paul ii, he was known as a conservative guardian of church doctrine, opposing women priests, abortion and homosexuality. As pope, he inherited the churchs biggest scandal in decades. Revelations that priests had sexually abused children. He met with victims and apologized. For all, i express my deep sorrow to the innocent victims of these despicable
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