Lightning hits the Vatican after the Pope resigns

ROME (CNN) — Just hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced his decision to retire from the papacy, lighting hit St. Peter’s dome at the Vatican.

Benedict’s resignation was a shock to many of the 1.2 billion Roman Catholics around the world. This is the first papal resignation in almost 600 years.

The pontiff is resigning because he does not feel he has the strength to continue as the church’s leader, the Rev. Federico Lombardi said, adding that it was a “spiritual” decision.

Lombardi emphasized that Benedict remains pope until February 28, when his resignation takes effect.

[link to kdvr.com]