Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, left, and Bishop Joseph R. Binzer pose with Pope Benedict XVI. CNS photo

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The Archbishop of Indianapolis says he is not surprised Pope Benedict XVI is stepping down.

Archbishop Joseph Tobin says the Pope told him several years ago if couldn't carry out his duties as head of the Catholic Church, he would consider stepping aside.

“I could see the physical deterioration of the Pope’s health, especially in his walking and ability to stand for long periods of time,” Tobin said.

About a year ago, the pontiff stopped walking the length of St. Peter's Basilica and was transported to the altar on a mobile cart.

Tobin – who was installed as the Archbishop of Indianapolis in December – said that having known Pope Benedict and working closely with him over the years, it was not an easy decision for the Pope to reach.

“He himself had mentioned before he became Pontiff that situations or circumstances could arise where the Pope not only could, but should resign, if his health became impaired to the point where he could no fulfill his duties,” said Tobin.

Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis Schnurr said the Pontiff showed integrity and selflessness in stepping down because of failing health.

“In my several encounters with him I found this brilliant theologian to be unfailingly kind, hospitable and welcoming. Ultimately he was a very pastoral man who won the hearts of all Americans on his pastoral visit to the United States in 2008. I will be forever grateful to him for naming me Archbishop of Cincinnat,” Schnurr said.

Pope Benedict’s last day will be February 28. Following that day, 118 Cardinals will gather in conclave to select the Pope's successor, which some are suggesting could be a Cardinal from outside Europe.

Below is the full text of Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement about his resignation: 

Dear Brothers,

I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, 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. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.

Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.

From the Vatican, 10 February 2013

BENEDICTUS PP XVI