Europe

Benedict to spend retirement in seclusion

Outgoing pope plans to "remain hidden to the world" and will not exert influence over his successor.
Last Modified: 15 Feb 2013 09:56

Vatican officials have dismissed suggestions that the outgoing head of the Roman Catholic Church will exert influence over his successor.

Pope Benedict XVI told a meeting of priests that he plans to spend his future in seclusion.

"Even if I am withdrawing into prayer I will always be close to all of you and I am sure you will be close to me. ... Even if I remain hidden to the world," he said.

Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons reports from Rome.

78
Source:
Al Jazeera
Topics in this article
People
City
Organisation
Featured on Al Jazeera
An interactive dashboard examines the history, successes and challenges facing the group.
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
Fallout from rare strike at Arabtec Construction continues.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Featured
Iran Elections
News and analysis of 2013 presidential contest as Ahmadinejad finishes second term.
China Rising
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Syria: The War Within
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Dubai strikers deported
Fallout from rare strike at Arabtec Construction continues.
Al-Nakba
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
join our mailing list