The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI took effect on 28 February 2013 at 20:00 Roman-Vatican Time, following Benedict XVI's announcement of the same on 11 February. It made him the first pope to relinquish the office since Gregory XII was forced to resign in 1415 to end the Western Schism, and the first pope to voluntarily resign since Celestine V in 1294.

All other popes in the modern era have held the position from election until death. Benedict resigned at the age of 85, citing declining health due to old age. The conclave to select his successor began on 12 March 2013 and elected cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who took the name of Francis.

Benedict chose to be known as "Pope emeritus" upon his resignation, and he retained this title until his death in December 2022.

On the morning of 11 February 2013—the World Day of the Sick, a Vatican holy day—Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to resign the Petrine Ministry effective later that month, on 28 February 2013. The announcement was made at the Apostolic Palace, in the Sala del Concistoro, at a public ordinary consistory of cardinals that was being held, as far as most attendees knew, to announce the date of the canonisation of 800 Catholic martyrs. Speaking in Latin, Benedict told mostly surprised cardinals and other attendees that he had made "a decision of great importance for the life of the church". Critically, he noted that the decision was made 'in full freedom' -- that the resignation be voluntary is required by canon law. He cited his deteriorating strength due to old age and the physical and mental demands of the papacy. Pope Benedict was known for being more reserved, and since the demands of the papacy have grown, it may have been too much for him. He also declared that he would continue to serve the Church "through a life dedicated to prayer". The news story was broken by journalist Giovanna Chirri, who understood Latin.

Two days later, he presided over his final public mass: a service for Ash Wednesday that ended with congregants bursting into a "deafening standing ovation that lasted for minutes" while the pontiff departed St. Peter's Basilica. On 17 February 2013, Benedict, speaking in Spanish, requested prayers for himself and the new pope from the crowd in St. Peter's Square.

Benedict XVI delivered his final Angelus on Sunday, 24 February. He told the gathered crowd, who carried flags and thanked the pope, "Thank you for your affection. [I will take up a life of prayer and meditation] to be able to continue serving the church." The pope appeared for the last time in public during his regular Wednesday audience on 27 February 2013. By 16 February, 35,000 people had already registered to attend the audience. On the evening of 27 February there was a candlelight vigil to show support for Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Square.

On his final day as pope, Benedict held an audience with the college of Cardinals, and at 16:15 (4:15 pm) local time he boarded a helicopter and flew to Castel Gandolfo. At about 17:30 (5:30 pm), he addressed the masses from the balcony for the last time as pope. After this speech Benedict waited out the final hours of his papacy; at exactly 20:00 CET (8:00 pm) the see of Rome became vacant.

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, the United Kingdom's Prime Minister David Cameron, and United States' President Barack Obama, each praised Benedict and his pontificate. Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti and Philippines' President Benigno Aquino III expressed shock and regret, respectively.