No indication of pope quitting
2005-02-07 20:17
Vatican City - Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Angelo Sodano said on Monday the question of Pope John Paul II's resignation due to illness is a matter for the pontiff's "conscience".
"Let's leave that to the pope's conscience," Sodano told journalists when asked whether the 84-year-old pope had considered resigning from the leadership of the Catholic Church during his recent health crisis.
"We must have full confidence in him. He knows what has to be done," said Sodano, adding that he hoped John Paul II could reign as the Church's leader for some time to come.
"Pius IX was pope for 32 years. Let's hope that John Paul II can surpass this line."
Sodano, the Vatican's number two who controls the day-to-day administration of the Holy See, confirmed that the pope was fully able to govern the Church despite his physical weakness.
"We are praying at this time for a long life and for the serenity of the Holy Father," he said.
- AFP