Pope to appoint new Manila archbishop

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales is looking forward for Pope Benedict XVI to identify the next person who will take over his position before the year ends.

Rosales said, "It's probably even before (November)... I think it's before Christmas."

Rosales, who turned 79 years old last August 16, has hinted that he would retire later this year but did not give the exact day of his retirement.

Rosales said that he is been looking forward to his retirement. He said, "I think it's having been given the opportunity to get to know the poor more, the good hearted people, the generous people who continuously help the Church. I thank all of them."

He submitted his resignation in 2007 when he turned 75, the retirement age for bishops, but the Pope extended his term indefinitely.

No further details on the matter and no name have yet cropped up as his possible successor.

The next Manila archbishop faces a crucial role on various socio-political issues including the contentious issue on the reproductive health bill, according to some observers. — ARA