"DOES CARDINAL KUHARIC LEAVES?"

ZAGREB, Feb 17 (Hina) - The Zagreb daily Vjesnik published on Thursday the article by Darko Pavicic about "possible retirement of Cardinal Franjo Kuharic during this year", which was titled "Does Kuharic leaves?". The author reminds that Catholic News Agency (IKA) reported these days that Cardinal would celebrate 75th birthday on April 15 and, following permanently established rules of the Church, he would suggest to the Pope to nominate his heritor. According to Vjesnik, IKA says that "the Pope don't have to accept such offer of resignation, i.e. he can put it off". Vjesnik is posing the question if the Cardinal can really retire in this crucial period, while we are facing so many temptations not only in Croatia but also in Bosnia. "Can the Cardinal neglect his very important role in this period of time? Can the Pope do that?" Stressing that Cardinal Kuharic is the person with the strongest attitude on all key issues important for the future of the people, which he showed in the last few crisis years, and that the Church "does not indulge in any political pressures", Vjesnik says that it will not be realistic to expect Cardinal Kuharic's retirement immediately when he becomes 75 years old. 171303 MET feb 94