Pope Francis hits 80, still zealously working to overhaul Catholic church

[rug]

Pope Francis arrives to lead his Wednesday general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on December 14. (Reuters)

Updated: Dec 16, 2016 13:01 IST
AFP, Vatican City

Pope Francis turns 80 on Saturday with no sign of slowing down in his drive to reshape the Catholic church to reflect his own vision of compassion and humility.

Three years and nine months after his election, the first pope from the Americas continues to set a relentless pace as he reaches a milestone at which cardinals are ushered into semi-retirement.

Francis has not ruled out following the historic example of his predecessor Benedict XVI, who retired, exhausted, in 2013.

But there is no suggestion that could happen soon.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pope-francis-hits-80-still-zealously-working-to-overhaul-catholic-church/story-33XpGDHCE6PfveCnlfRO9O.html

[UrbScotty]

1. If Benedict hadn't resigned by today, then-Cardinal Bergoglio

...wouldn't have been able to vote in the conclave. And in all likelihood, he wouldn't have even been considered.

[rug]

2. That's an interesting thought.