REGARDING the letter about the Pope being made to retire (LET, February 19), I think he should stay on for as long as he can. Let's face it, a man of his age who can speak more languages than some younger people can count is a shining example to us all.

Anyone who is ill and sees him probably forgets for the moment about their own illness. If you are getting on in years he must shine to you as a very special man and when you do hear him speak you hang on to every word. He seems to have an aura around him. Some might even call it a halo.

I am not Roman Catholic but I have the highest respect for one of the greatest men of our time.

GARY BOWERS, Bolton Road, Ewood, Blackburn.