Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi officially resigns

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has officially resigned, according to a statement from the nation's president's office.

Renzi's resignation, first announced Monday, follows a heavy defeat in his referendum on constitutional reform. Renzi said he took "full responsibility" for the loss, adding, "We gave the Italians an opportunity to change, but we didn't succeed."

Renzi took office two-and-a-half years ago. Italian President Sergio Mattarella, whose role in the nation is primarily ceremonial, will select a new prime minister — Italy's fifth in as many years — with elections not scheduled until 2018.

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