ROME
The Times (United Kingdom)
James Bone
Rome
Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to abdicate because of old age followed secret surgery late last year to replace the battery in his pacemaker, it has emerged today.
The 85-year-old pontiff had a new battery implanted to replace one in the pacemaker he received after suffering a stroke over a decade ago.
According to Italy’s Il Sole 24 business newspaper, the operation took place at the Pius XI clinic in Rome just under three months ago.
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