RP's Cardinal Sin leaving pulpit, not politics

RP's Cardinal Sin leaving pulpit, not politics

Manny Mogato, Reuters, Manila

Cardinal Jaime Sin, the powerbroker at the heart of people power
revolts in the Philippines, steps down this week after nearly
three decades as Manila's archbishop but will maintain a key role
in the country.

Revered for marshaling million-strong protests that drove two
presidents from office, the frail 75-year-old prelate was given a
lavish tribute on Wednesday at a Roman Catholic shrine that has
become the national symbol of "People Power" revolts.

"I am retiring but I am not keeping quiet," Sin said. "You
cannot stop me from loving and serving you."

Bishop Gaudencio Rosales -- a 71-year-old advocate against
illegal logging and the effects of globalization on the poor but
otherwise little known to most Filipinos -- will be formally
installed as Sin's successor on Friday.

Sin was helped by two assistants when he arrived at the packed
shrine before he listened to tribute after tribute for his role
in the country's political transformation when late dictator
Ferdinand Marcos was ousted in 1986.

With an election just six months away, many expect far less
politics from the pulpit in this overwhelmingly Roman Catholic
country now that Sin is stepping down.

"It's about time," said political commentator Nelson Navarro.
"He was at the center of our political life since 1986. It has
been 17 years of social backwardness and political interference."

Navarro criticized the Catholic Church's fierce opposition to
divorce, abortion and artificial birth control, which he said had
contributed to misery, poverty and corruption in this nation of
82 million people.

But politicians who shared the limelight with Sin during two
popular uprisings defended his frequent forays into politics.

"I know a number of Roman Catholics and many Protestants who
do not want religion mixed up with politics and, therefore, may
not share my deep appreciation and my highest admiration for this
man of God," said former Senator Jovito Salonga, a Protestant.

"But Cardinal Sin has a very keen moral sense -- the sense of
right and wrong -- which transcends religious barriers and social
and political differences."

Former president Fidel Ramos, also a Protestant, gave Sin the
credit for the success of the 1986 popular revolt that toppled
Marcos, describing the priest as the "divine commander-in-chief".

Corazon Aquino, the widow of Marcos's bitter political rival
Benigno Aquino and the country's president after the strongman
fled, offered prayers for Sin.

"How truly blessed Filipinos are that God sent Jaime Cardinal
Sin to guide us and help us through all of the difficult times,"
she said.

The Vatican granted Sin's request to retire because of his
advanced age and failing health, announcing Rosales as his
successor a few days after his 75th birthday on Aug. 31.

Sin was hospitalized briefly in March after suffering a
seizure while at prayer. He has a long-standing kidney ailment.

Political analyst Alex Magno said he believed the Catholic
Church would remain a potent political force, despite impressions
that Rosales had no intention of meddling in national affairs.

Most archbishops of Manila were power players, considering
that the clergy played an influential role during the 333 years
of Spanish rule in the Philippines, he said.

"The church has been part of the fabric of society, except
that Sin articulated it in a more colorful way," Magno told
Reuters. "Sin's successor might be less controversial but is
expected to respond the same way to periods of crisis."