The Pope is retiring on February 28 and has big plans.
Addressing church leaders for one of the last times of his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday (Feb. 14) that he intends to live “hidden from the world” after he retires on Feb. 28.
However, he has an aid that will “assist his successor” so some are predicting he’ll continue to “exert influence on the papacy.”
The Vatican’s top spokesman said Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, the pope’s former personal secretary, will remain in his current role as head of the papal household after the election of Benedict’s successor. He will live by Benedict’s side in a small convent within the Vatican walls.
Benedict’s successor selection will begin 15 – 20 days after the Pope resigns.
On Thursday, the 85-year old pontiff said he would remain “hidden from the world” after retirement, confirming his Monday resignation announcement that spoke of “a life dedicated to prayer.”
