Duka to continue as head of Catholic Church at request of pope

Cardinal Dominik Duka is set to continue as head of the Czech Roman Catholic Church at the request of Pope Francis. In keeping with church rules, the prelate formally resigned two weeks ago when he reached the age of 75. However, on Wednesday the Prague Archbishopric published a letter from the Apostolic Nunciature in response to his resignation asking him to stay on.

Supporters including President Miloš Zeman had called for Cardinal Duka to be allowed to continue in the post but some Czech Catholics had been in favour of him being replaced.

Author: Ian Willoughby