POPE 'MAY QUIT' IF HEALTH WORSENS

Views on BG | May 16, 2002, Thursday // 00:00

BBC World Service

John Paul II does not rule out resigning as pope if his health conditions worsen, a Honduran cardinal has told reporters in Rome.

Italian TV says Archbishop Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga's announcement is likely to fuel the debate about the ability of the ailing pontiff to continue in his position.

"The pope is fully aware of his responsibility and when he realises that he can no longer go on, he will have the courage to say: I quit," the archbishop was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

The Vatican has declined to comment.

Pope John Paul will be 82 on Saturday. He suffers from Parkinson's disease and is crippled by knee and hip problems.

At a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, he appeared to rule out any immediate intention on his part to lay down his high office.

He asked pilgrims to pray that he might have the strength to continue his mission.
Views on BG » Be a reporter: Write and send your article

Advertisement
Advertisement
Bulgaria news Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) is unique with being a real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Bulgarian news. The editorial staff also publishes a daily online newspaper "Sofia Morning News." Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) and Sofia Morning News publish the latest economic, political and cultural news that take place in Bulgaria. Foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and World News in Brief are also part of the web site and the online newspaper. News Bulgaria