Original version

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

Witness History

Podcasts

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: History

History as told by the people who were there

History as told by the people who were there.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

Witness History: 'I told the world Pope Benedict XVI was resigning'

Documentaries

'I told the world Pope Benedict XVI was resigning'

10/02/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, 'I told the world Pope Benedict XVI was resigning'

On 11 February 2013, Benedict XVI became the first pope in nearly 600 years to quit. Journalist Giovanna Chirri got the world exclusive on the story. She speaks to Matt Pintus.

On 11 February 2013, Benedict XVI shocked the world by becoming the first pope in nearly 600 years to quit. All other popes in the modern era had held the position from election until death. 

He said he was resigning because of old age. Little known journalist Giovanna Chirri got the world exclusive on the story. She shares her memories of that time with Matt Pintus.

(Photo: Pope Benedict XVI. Credit: Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Witness History

'I told the world Pope Benedict XVI was resigning'

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

About BBC World Service