Election for new pope to begin on Tuesday

Roman Catholic cardinals began electing a new pope on 12 March 2013.

Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in February 2013 after nearly eight years in office, becoming the first pontiff to resign in 600 years. The 85-year-old blamed his failing health for his inability to carry on.

Under the rules of the secret ballot, or conclave, cardinals would vote until one achieved a two-thirds majority.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Benedict stuns Church with abdication http://www.europeansources.info/record/benedict-stuns-church-with-abdication/

Deutsche Welle, 08.03.13: Conclave to elect new pope will begin Tuesday, March 12 http://www.dw.de/conclave-to-elect-new-pope-will-begin-tuesday-march-12/a-16659830

BBC, 12.03.13: Rome conclave: Cardinals set to elect new Pope http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21750661

Deutsche Welle, 12.03.13: Cardinals begin the conclave to elect the new pope http://www.dw.de/cardinals-begin-the-conclave-to-elect-the-new-pope/a-16664767

Deutsche Welle, 12.03.13: Strict rules, no Twitter for the papal conclave http://www.dw.de/strict-rules-no-twitter-for-the-papal-conclave/a-16664777

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