|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.
-
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
-
The King's Christmas speech: which Gospel?
-
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
-
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
-
Two hundred years of the Brethren: who are they and what do they believe?
-
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
Most Popular
News
The story of New Year’s resolutions
1 January is when people traditionally start the new year with a fresh resolution. This is the story …
Young people more grateful to God, study finds
A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.