Rorate Caeli

New age for episcopal resignation?

Our friends at Spanish-language blog La Buhardilla de Jerónimo notice the increasing buzz in the Italian press (including La Repubblica - external reference) regarding an imminent measure by Pope Benedict XVI, which could be released before the end of the year, and which would alter the pertinent canons and extend by three years (to 78) the age in which bishops would be required to present their resignations to the Pope. The measure would apparently not apply to prelates in Vatican dicasteries.