London: A lightning touched the roof of one of the holiest Catholic churches in the Vatican hours after Pope Benedict XVI's announced his decision to quit.
Benedict announced his resignation in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, calling it ‘a decision of great importance for the life of the church.’
He emphasised that carrying out the duties of being pope requires "both strength of mind and body."
According to the Daily Mirror, the lightning touched the dome of St. Peter's Basilica after the Pope's shock admission he lacks strength to do the job.
The Vatican stressed that no specific medical condition prompted Benedict's decision to quit, the first pontiff to do so in 600 years.
The move surprised even his closest aides, even though Benedict, 85, had made clear in the past he would step down if he became too old or infirm.
(ANI)
First Published: Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 14:43