Outspoken Filipino Cardinal Sin retires

CARDINAL JAIME SIN, an outspoken cleric who helped topple Philippine leaders, but alienated some of the faithful with frequent forays into politics, is retiring at 75 with the Vatican's blessing.

Cardinal Sin's departure was expected after his birthday on August 31, but there had been speculation Pope John Paul would ask him to stay on as Archbishop of Manila and the most influential churchmen in a nation of 65 million Roman Catholics.

"As I enter a new chapter in my twilight years, I can say with gratitude that I have given my very best to God and country," he said in a statement.