Benedict to spend retirement in seclusion
Outgoing pope plans to “remain hidden to the world” and will not exert influence over his successor.
Published On 15 Feb 2013
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.
Source: Al Jazeera