INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin says he’s not entirely surprised by Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement that he’ll resign later this month.
WTHR-TV reports that Tobin told reporters Monday there have been ongoing concerns over the 85-year-old pontiff’s physical health. He noted that the pope stopped walking the length of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome a year ago because he was worried about falling.
Tobin says Benedict’s announcement Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 is not a “complete surprise” to him given the pope’s infirmities. Benedict will become the first pontiff to step down in 600 years.
Tobin says he believes the Vatican’s decision on who will be the next pope will “come fast.” He’s inviting the archdiocese to pray for the pope and his service.
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