Cardinal De Kesel offers to resign as archbishop

The cardinal turns 75 today. According to his spokesman Geert De Kerpel, the cardinal sent his letter of resignation to Rome at the beginning of June. The Pope can ask him to stay on for some time, but whether that will happen is an open question.

Succession

According to insiders, the cardinal is certainly not keen on an extension. Two years ago he was diagnosed with colon cancer, but the cardinal has recovered.

At the end of November, the Belgian bishops will pay a so-called ad limina visit to Rome. Afterwards, it may become clear who will succeed Cardinal De Kesel as Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels.