Pope confers with Maronite Patriarch; no word on retirement
February 25, 2011
Pope Benedict XVI met in a private audience with Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on February 25, but there was no announcement from the Vatican on the Lebanese prelate's retirement.
The Maronite Patriarch, who is 91 years old, submitted his retirement late last year. The Vatican has reported been weighing the appropriate timing for an announcement of that retirement. The Maronite Synod of Bishops will elect his successor, and that election may be delayed until after the replacement of several other Maronite bishops who are beyond retirement age.
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Further information:
- Pope Meets Sfeir at the Vatican (Naharnet)
- Audiences (VIS)
- Vatican still weighing resignation of aged Maronite Patriarch (CWN 2/17)
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