Today, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the Papacy effective the end of the month. He is the first pontiff to resign since Gregory XII in 1415 (nearly 700 years)! This Pope has been a controversial leader and one who has led a complex life and history.

MSNBC highlights the timeline of this Pope’s life in the article: “From Prisoner of War to Pontiff, an interesting look at the life of this complex figure in the Catholic Church, Christianity, and indeed the world.