Gallery: Pope Benedict XVI in pictures

Following the announcement of pope Benedict's resignation, the 'Post' gives you a look at some highlights of his short-lived career.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
At age 85, pope Benedict will resign, becoming the first pontiff since Middle Ages to quit.

Elected to the papacy on April 19, 2005, whe was 78 -- 20 years older than John Paul was when he was elected. The pontiff will step down from 1900 GMT on Feb. 28, leaving the office vacant until a successor was chosen to Benedict who succeeded John Paul, one of history's most popular pontiffs.