Washington cardinal to seek retirement at 75

Washington D.C., May 2, 2005 / 22:00 pm

The archbishop of Washington, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, told The Washington Times that he would like to retire after his 75^th birthday and will submit his letter of resignation to the Vatican when he turns 75 in July.

Canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation when they turn 75, but it only comes into effect once the Pope has accepted it. Some bishops have remained in office several years past retirement age.

The native New Yorker has suffered health problems recently, including rotator cuff surgery about two months ago.

Cardinal McCarrick was one of 115 cardinals to elect Pope Benedict XVI, whom he described as “a very humble, kind, gentle person, a little shy with a great smile and sense of humor."

During a homily at St. Matthew’s Cathedral two days ago, the cardinal spoke of Pope Benedict.

"We know that he has always been a proclaimer of truth and a defender of faith. During the conclave, we saw him not only as a great theologian and a brilliant mind, but we found something many of us didn't know before: We found this new individual, so very respectful and charming," he was quoted as saying.

"I believe we have a Pope who we can follow with joy and confidence," he told parishioners.