The dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican was struck by lightning on the day Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement.
The photo of the lightning strike was published by the Ansa agency, after which the scene spread on social networks with the speed of lightning.
Benedict XVI explained his decision by "lack of strength to continue performing his duties" and noted that he was "leaving for the good of the Church".
The Pope will leave his post on February 28 at 20 p.m. Then the period of 'empty chair' (sede vacante) begins.
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