The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI caused a frisson of curiosity and wonder. Comments abounded in the press about the fact that the previous resignation was by Celestine V on 13 December 1294. Though others who had done a bit more homework cited the resignation of Gregory XII on 4 July 1415. One could assume that there had been no other suggestions or rumours of such events, yet a casual perusal of Welsh Newspapers Online would reveal that Benedict XVI was not the only Pope to be associated with renouncing his office.
The Merthyr Telegraph for 7 June 1878 reported that a rumour that Pope Leo XIII was contemplating abdication were unfounded.
Thus startling events or rumours of startling events such as Papal abdications and resignations are not the preserve of the modern media.
On a minor but curious detail one should note that there was talk of Leo XIII abdicating whereas Benedict XVI resigned. Perhaps an interesting use of language reflecting how the Papacy has changed between 1878 and 2013.
Wyn Thomas