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

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'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)

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