Pope Benedict XVI Wants to Retire to Seclusion

85-year-old pontiff says he's resigning for health reasons

The outgoing head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, has hinted he will withdraw into seclusion after stepping down at the end of this month.

"Even if I am withdrawing into prayer, I will always be close to all of you… even if I remain hidden to the world," he told a meeting of Roman priests.