Pope considered quitting for months
2013-02-11 14:27
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Berlin - The pope's brother, Georg Ratzinger, says the
pontiff had been advised by his doctor not to take any more transatlantic trips
and had been considering stepping down for months.
Pope Benedict XVI announced on Monday that he would
resign 28 February.
Talking from his home in Regensburg to the news agency
dpa, Georg Ratzinger said his brother was having increasing difficulty walking
and that his resignation was part of a "natural process”.
"His age is weighing on him," the 89-year-old
said of his 85-year-old brother.
"At this age my brother wants more rest."
Georg Ratzinger did not answer his telephone for calls
seeking further comment.
- AP
