Pope Decided a Year Ago to Abdicate his Office

The pope decided a year ago
Pope surprised everyone when he announced his highly unusual decision yesterday. Even employees of the Vatican knew nothing about their pope would give up .

But the Pope himself was far from unprepared.

What we have learned after he announced that he abdicates, is that it's been many months - almost a year - since he decided, says Greg Burke, advisor to the Vatican.

- He made the decision shortly after a visit to Cuba, which was in March last year, according to Burke.

Pope Benedict XVI was in Cuba for three days in late March, after having been in Mexico.

Despite having made himself the first pope who goes by the nearly 600 years, the next day no different today for the Pope, says Burke.

- He is as quiet today as he was when he read the announcement yesterday - just as calm as ever.

Confirms pacemaker

Pope reasoned wanted to go with that age means that he now feels he lacks the strength to lead the Church.

Pope's brother, Georg Ratzinger said shortly after the announcement that the Pope had been banned from his doctor to make transatlantic flights.

Farewell Mass in St. Peter's Square

Pope Benedict XVI goes off at 20 Thursday 28 February.

Every Wednesday, unless he is sick or away, holding the Pope an open audience in St. Peter's Square and the Vatican audienssal.

So it is also Wednesday 27th February, the day before his departure. When held Mass in St. Peter's Square, so as many as possible of those who want it, to say goodbye to Pope Benedict XVI.

Then the retirement of the current pope.

- He will spend his time in study and prayer. He's not going to have any role in the management of the Church, says Lombardi.

Benedict XVI will not be involved in the choice of his successor.