Bishop calls for term limits for popes

The bishop of Breda, in The Netherlands has called for term limits of 10 to 15 years on popes.

Tiny Muskens, known as a progressive bishop, also said popes should have an age limit of 85.

Pope Benedict XVI, 78, was elected to replace Pope John Paul II, who had been pope for 26 years when he died in April aged 84.

Religious TV show IKON showed images from the interview with Muskens on its website, and quoted him as saying he didn’t vote for Benedict.

“He wasn’t on my list. I had an Asian, an Italian – and another Italian,” Muskens said.

In the past Muskens has called for a third Vatican Council, where bishops from around the world would discuss issues within the church – including the idea of opening priesthood to non-celibate men.