Blank ballots are then prepared and distributed . Pope Benedict XVI has announced he is stepping down on February 28 . The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII in 1415 to end the Great Western Schism . Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi says a conclave will elect a new pope in March . He says the Vatican expects a new pope to be in place by Easter .
Pope Benedict XVI has announced he is stepping down on February 28 . The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII in 1415 to end the Great Western Schism . Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi says a conclave will elect a new pope in March . He says the Vatican expects a new pope to be in place by Easter .