Irish Twitter users react to the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to resign on 28 February for health reasons, becoming the first pontiff in almost 600 years to step down as leader of the Catholic Church.

In a statement released by the Vatican this morning, the 85-year-old said that both strength of mind and body are necessary to complete the duties of the role and that he felt that he could no longer carry them out satisfactorily.

'In today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.'

The news has elicited a strong reaction on Twitter, with many users expressing shock at the sudden announcement. 

However, in typical Irish style, it didn't take long for the jokes to start flowing:

If the Pope is retiring, I imagine he's gonna get one epic golden handshake.

— Anne Marie O'Connor (@Kitsgirl1) February 11, 2013

Obviously twitter pushed the Pope over the edge.

— anthony remedy (@anthonyremedy) February 11, 2013

INITIATE NEW POPE PROTOCOL. PREPARE AFFECTIONATE MONTAGE. DO NOT REFER TO THEM AS HIS "BEST BITS". GOOGLE CARDINALS

— Not The RTÉ Guide (@YourRTEGuide) February 11, 2013

What do retired popes do? Just hang out. "Oh Heeeey Gurl! Yeah. I used to be the Pope"

— Panti Bliss (@PantiBliss) February 11, 2013

BREAKING: Pope announces his resignation citing "creative differences" with God.

— Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) February 11, 2013

The Pope is to resign but is likely to be rehired a few months later as a 'consultant'.

— Colm O'Regan (@colmoregan) February 11, 2013

The pope's resigning to spend more time with his wife and kids.

— Tom McLaughlin (@_TomMcLaughlin) February 11, 2013

Conor Pope's resigning from the Irish Times?

— Allan Cavanagh (@AllanCavanagh) February 11, 2013

This could be the best prank ever. Come on @pontifex, troll the world.

— John Moynes (@JohnMoynes) February 11, 2013

NO HOPE AS POPE CAN'T COPE. Also, bingo, lots of soccer and a Page 3 girl.

— John Moynes (@JohnMoynes) February 11, 2013

Good day to bury bad news....#popegoes

— Helen O'Rahilly (@TellyDubby) February 11, 2013

Maybe the next pope should be elected via a Rose of Tralee type thing, each with a party piece

— RedMum (@redmum) February 11, 2013

Attention is already turning to his successor, who will be chosen following the traditional Papal Conclave in the famous Sistine Chapel.