Unusual moments in papal history

POSTED: 9:56 AM Feb 11 2013 UPDATED: 8:12 AM Feb 12 2013

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From resignations to drownings and beheadings, the papacy is full of unusual and surprising moments.

Pope Benedict XVI clutches chair Feb — 1 / 23

Pope Benedict XVI surprised many with his announcement that he is resigning, although he's certainly not the first. Here's a look back at other unusual and surprising moments in the history of the papacy.

Pope Benedict XVI clutches chair Feb

Pope Moments - Peter

Pope Moments - Clement I

Pope Moments - Stephen I

Pope Moments - Stephen I

Pope Moments - Sixtus

Pope Moments - Marcellinus

Pope Moments - John VII

Pope Moments - Stephen

Pope Moments - Sergius

Pope Moments - John XII

Pope Moments - Benedict IX

Pope Moments - John XXI

Pope Moments - Celestine V

Pope Moments - Boniface

Pope Moments - Urban

Pope Moments - Gregory XII

Pope Moments - Leo

Pope Moments - Urban VII

Pope Moments - Clement XIII

Pope John Paul II

Pope Benedict XVI walks up Vatican stairs

Pope Benedict XVI waving

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