“I am shocked by this unexpected news,” noted Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, who told the press in Milan that there were no warning signs regarding this decision.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano praised the extraordinaire courage and generosity showed by Benedict XVI after announcing his resignation due to a lack of strength to continue in his position.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her respect over the tough decision made by Benedict XVI, describing him as one of the most important theologians of our times. British Premier David Cameron said millions of people will miss the pope as a spiritual leader since he worked tirelessly to strengthen UK-Vatican links.

At the same time, religious authorities from all over the world were left in a profound state of shock by the resignation of the Pope, said Italy’s Il Giornale newspaper.

UK BBC referred to the event as a shocking resignation, while websites for U.S. media such as CNN, Washington Post, The New York Times and Wall Street Journal stressed the Pope’s advanced age.

According to a press release from the religious institution, the measure was taken after over 48 hours of uninterrupted and non-authorized stay within the temple by those persons.

Despite the Church’s unilateral efforts to end that situation, the illegal occupants expressed a negative response at every moment, the note states.

For that reason, Cardinal Jaime Ortega, using his authority and faculty, addressed the relevant authorities so that they invite the illegal occupants to abandon the Sanctuary and the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity in Havana, the document says.

The proposal of those people to be visited by authorities to receive guarantee for their security was also taken into account.

The action to end the occupation began on Thursday at 21:00 hours, local time (02:00 GMT), and lasted less than 10 minutes.

The religious institution stated on Thursday that such an action was part of a prepared, coordinated strategy devised by groups in several regions of the country with the purpose of triggering critical situations as Pope Benedict XVI´s visit to Cuba nears.