Pope Gregory XII has announced he is stepping down on February 28 . According to the National Catholic Weekly , modern popes have felt that resignation is unacceptable and could encourage factions within the church to pressure pontiffs to step down . The last pope to resign was Pope Benedict XVI in 1415 to end Vatican . Vatican spokesman Easter says a conclave will elect a new pontiff in 1415 . Lombardi says the Vatican expects a new pope to be in place by Easter .
Pope Gregory XII has announced he is stepping down on February 28 . The last pope to resign was Pope Benedict XVI in 1415 to end Vatican . Vatican spokesman Easter says a conclave will elect a new pontiff in 1415 . Lombardi says the Vatican expects a new pope to be in place by Easter .