Pope says Benedict opened way for retiring pontiffs
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BARCELONA - Pope Francis said in an interview Friday that his predecessor Benedict XVI opened the way to retirement for pontiffs, an option on which he, too, would eventually take God's advice.
Benedict XVI, now 87, last year became the first pope to resign since the Middle Ages, retiring from public life to live in a former monastery inside the Vatican City walls.
"Benedict made a great gesture," the 77-year-old Francis told the Vatican correspondent of Barcelona-based daily La Vanguardia.
"He opened a door, he created an institution, that of eventual emeritus popes."
The pontiff said emeritus bishops did not exist 70 years ago but were numerous today.
"Since we live longer, we get to an age at which we can longer carry on with things. I will do the same as he did: ask the Lord to show me when the moment comes and tell me what to do, and he will tell me for sure."
AFP
