Pope Benedict's surgery to replace the batteries in his pacemaker three months ago did not impact his decision to resign, the Vatican clarified on Feb. 12, 2013, according to Yahoo! News.
Rev. Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, categorized Pope Benedict's surgery as normal and routine. He also said that it was his understanding that the pope received the pacemaker approximately eight years ago, before he became the pope. [Pope Benedict's surgery] " . . . had nothing to do with his decision," Lombardi said.
The Vatican also addressed a rumor that the pontiff is suffering from bone cancer, a rumor that Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said is untrue.
The rumors have been circulating since Pope Benedict XVI's surprising announcement that he is resigning. Some have said the pope's resignation is more properly termed an abdication since he doesn't have someone to whom he must resign.
Pope Benedict XVI's final day in office will be February 28, 2013. His successor has not yet been named, and it is not clear what his title will be following his final day as pope. His living quarters, however, have already been determined. He will reside in the Vatican in a small abandoned convent.
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