Vatican: Pope Fitted With Pacemaker 'Some Time Ago'

Vatican: Pope Fitted With Pacemaker 'Some Time Ago'
FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 file photo, a gust of wind blows away Pope Benedict XVI's cap as he delivers his message during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 file photo, a gust of wind blows away Pope Benedict XVI's cap as he delivers his message during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Benedict announced Monday Feb. 11, 2013 he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, File)

VATICAN CITY, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Pope Benedict had a heart pacemaker installed some time ago but was not suffering from poor health and remained lucid and serene in the wake of his decision to resign, the Vatican spokesman said on Tuesday.

It had not been generally known that the 85-year-old pope had been fitted with a pacemaker.

Father Federico Lombardi said the batteries on the appliance were replaced three months ago in a minor, routine intervention but that had played no part in persuading the pontiff to take the shock decision to step down.

"It had no influence on the decision, the reasons were in his perception that his strength had diminished with advancing age," Lombardi told a press briefing at the Vatican.

(Reporting By Philip Pullella)

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