Pope's resignation no surprise, Prague cardinal says

Prague, Feb 11 (CTK) - Pope Benedict XVI's announcement that he will leave his post has not at all surprised Czech Cardinal Miloslav Vlk because the Pope seemed "a feeble and very old man" to him during their talks two weeks ago, Vlk said public Czech Television (CT) yesterday.

Benedict XVI, aged 85, announced earlier yesterday that he would leave his office on February 28 due to his high age. He said he was considering the step for a long time.

Vlk, 80, said he talked to the Pope three times two weeks ago and the Pope seemed older than before and very weak then. He said he had known Benedict XVI for eight years.

But Vlk said the Pope's mental powers were still strong but physically he was weak.

A Vatican's spokesman said the new pope would be elected before Easter.

Vlk will not participate in the meeting of cardinals that will elect the new pope because he has turned 80. The Czech Roman Catholic Church will be represented by Cardinal Dominik Duka who replaced Vlk in the post of Prague archbishop in 2010.

Vlk was Prague archbishop from 1991 to 2010.