Remembering History: For the first time in nearly 600 years, a pope is resigning from his post. Pope Benedict XVI announced early Monday his intention to step down from the Roman Catholic Church’s highest office by the end of the month, citing advancing age and bad health as his primary reason for his resignation. Above, check out past Papal reigns and learn more about the Pope’s resignation here.

For the first time in nearly 600 years, a pope is resigning from his post. Pope Benedict XVI announced early Monday his intention to step down from the Roman Catholic Church’s highest office by the end of the month, citing advancing age and bad health as his primary reason for his resignation. Above, check out past Papal reigns and learn more about the Pope’s resignation here.

For the first time in nearly 600 years, a pope is resigning from his post. Pope Benedict XVI announced early Monday his intention to step down from the Roman Catholic Church’s highest office by the end of the month, citing advancing age and bad health as his primary reason for his resignation. Above, check out past Papal reigns and learn more about the Pope’s resignation here.