|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.
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