Vatican City: Cardinal Angelo Sodano has resigned from his position as dean of the Cardinal. He resigned at the age of 92. Pope Francis accepted his resignation. The Pope said this in a speech delivered by Cardinal Sodano yesterday. It is interesting to note that the Pope has also changed the position of dean of the Cardinal. Dean’s term will be five years from now. Dean didn’t have a term yet.
After his retirement, he will be called Dean Emeritus. The Dean has no authority other than to preside at a meeting of the Cardinal. After the Pope retires or dies, the Dean convenes the Conclave to elect the new Pope. If he is under 80 he can attend the Conclave and vote. Conclave cannot vote in excess of 80. Cardinal Sodano, an Italian, served as Vatican Secretary of State from 1990 to 2005.
