On Feb. 11, Pope Benedict XVI made the surprise announcement that he would be resign
as leader of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics later this month because his advanced
age was preventing him from carrying out his duties. Above, lightning strikes St. Peter's dome at the Vatican on the day of the
announcement. For a look at how the next pope will be chosen and who the frontrunners for the job are, see this article by Daniel Williams and FP's guide to the top candidates for the position.
FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images
