Pope Benedict XVI resignation: Global reaction

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.

The unexpected development - the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years - has surprised Catholics, world leaders, and even his closest aides.

People around the world have expressed a mixture of shock, sadness, anger and stoicism at the news.