Now that he has welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to NYC, the NY Times speculates that Cardinal Edward Egan could retire soon. Egan, the head of the powerful NY Archdiocese, presented his resignation letter last year (required by Vatican Law of all archbishops who turn 75).

The Times explains the pope decides when resignations take effect--while Pope John Paul II allowed bishops and archbishops to serve longer, Benedict "has been more prompt about replacing bishop." It's believed a replacement for Egan will be announced by August. A professor at Notre Dame, Robert McBrien, told the Post yesterday, "It's probably out of recognition for the 200th anniversary of the founding of the diocese that he's been allowed to remain in office."

During Pope Benedict's visit, Newsday published a look at Egan's tenure, and one expert said, "I am sure he is very happy to be going. I detect that many New Yorkers will be happy to have him go." And in 2006, a number of NY priests circulated a letter of no confidence in Egan, noting the relationship between area priests and Egan was one "defined by dishonesty, deception, disinterest and disregard."