Apparently Benedict XVI (Ratzinger) even though a rather conservative history, has supported the idea that Popes retire at 80. This gives the seat to push such a change through the Vatican, and gives them a few years to casually pick and groom the next successor. Ratzinger has actually been doing the day to day job of the Pope for a number of years because of John Paul II's bad health. It's a logical move for the Catholic church to initiate some changes for the future without being to liberal or conservative in the mean time.
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