On February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope in 600 years to resign from office.
On February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, made history by resigning from the papacy, marking the first time in 600 years that a pope had stepped down from the position. His tenure was heavily characterized by conservative views on theological and socio-political issues, which drew both support and criticism during his active years. Prior to his resignation, the last pope to leave office was Gregory XII in 1415 amidst the Great Schism of the Western Church, which ultimately ended the Avignon Papacy. Ratzinger's resignation was largely attributed to his declining health, paving the way for the election of his successor, Pope Francis, who made history as the first pope from the Americas. Following his resignation, Benedict XVI held the title of emeritus pope, a unique situation in the Catholic Church's history, which raises questions about the roles and influence of retired popes in the modern era. He passed away on December 31, 2022, at the age of 95, leaving a complex legacy behind. Additionally, the Ratzinger Foundation, established in 2011, provides an award for significant achievements in theology, often referred to colloquially as the Nobel Prize for Theology. In 2022, notable composer Arvo PΓ€rt became the first recipient of this award in the field of music, reflecting the ongoing impact and relevance of Ratzinger's contributions beyond the papacy. This historical overview marks key events in Estonia's own timeline, juxtaposed with international developments in the Catholic Church during an age of significant change.
