FEARS that outgoing Pope Benedict will cast a shadow over his successor have been allayed by the Vatican, as it emerged he has had a pacemaker since his appointment almost eight years ago.
FEARS that outgoing Pope Benedict will cast a shadow over his successor have been allayed by the Vatican, as it emerged he has had a pacemaker since his appointment almost eight years ago.
TIME TO GO: Pope Benedict will formally resign on February 28.
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The details of his poor health came as cardinals began the process of finding a new pontiff after the announcement on Monday that Benedict was to retire sent reverberations through the Catholic Church.
He will step aside completely from any role in running the Church after he formally resigns on February 28 and will play no part in the election of his successor, the Vatican said.
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