|PIC1|Pope Benedict XVI has asked the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales to stay on after his 75th birthday.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor had planned to retire from his position after he turns 75 next month, in accordance with canon law.
He sent a letter on Monday to auxiliary bishops and priests in the Diocese of Westminster, however, saying that he had received an invitation from the Holy Father inviting him to stay on after his birthday.
"I am very content to accept the Holy Father's request," said Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor.
He is now expected to remain in his position for at least another year after his birthday on 24 August.
Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor is the 10th Archbishop of Westminster.
-
Why the Archbishop of Canterbury’s award controversy matters
-
More than one in four US Protestant churchgoers believe some biblical truths become outdated
-
Christian leaders issue ‘sober and urgent call’ for Western Church to prepare for disruption
-
Australia's anti-therapy laws harm the most vulnerable - Britain should not copy them
-
Songs of Praise celebrates 65 years with special anniversary episode - and finds a new generation online
-
First segments of Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer near Birmingham completed
Most Popular
News
Disabled baby euthanized in the Netherlands
Doctors in the Netherlands euthanized a severely disabled one-year-old child, the first case reported by Dutch authorities under rules introduced in 2024 that allow ending the lives of seriously ill children between the ages of one and 12.
400% increase in euthanasia deaths in Australian state of Victoria
Right To Life UK said the surge in numbers showed why UK MPs were right to reject assisted suicide.
Ukrainian churches appeal for aid in starving Oleshky
Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the crisis in Oleshky.
Westminster Abbey plans memorial to JRR Tolkien
The memorial will go next to that of his friend CS Lewis.
