It sets a brisk pace without feeling too much like an over hasty rush towards the exit. It allows him to demonstrate to the American people that the wars of the last decade really are drawing to an end. A firm timetable is also intended to concentrate the minds of Afghanistan’s leaders on the fact they have a fairly short period of time to train their own people to take over the job. ___________________________________________________________________________________________.The Vatican says Pope Benedict will not play any role in the election of his successor or the running of the Church following his decision to step down. The Vatican also confirmed that the resignation was not due to any specific illness. A spokesman said the Pope had been wearing a heart pacemaker for some time but was generally in good health. Pope Benedict will hold his final open air general audience in St. Peter Square on February the 27th.
