TomasSereda/iStock/Thinkstock(VATICAN CITY) – Pope Francis celebrated his 80th birthday Saturday as some question how much longer he’ll head up the Catholic Church.
The pope presided over a subdued mass in the chapel of the Apostolic Palace with a small group of cardinals. The pope said despite old age being “a bad word” that it was a ‘seat of wisdom’.
Francis has said he would only be at the helm of the Catholic Church for four or five years. March will mark four years since he took over. Like his predecessor Benedict, he said he will consider retirement.
However, observers say he wants to continue his efforts to make his church more responsive to the needs of the poor and marginalized.
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