Pope Benedict XVI will not meddle with the process of choosing his successor, his brother has said.  Georg Ratzinger told the BBC that the Pope, whose resignation shocked the world on Monday, would only make himself available if needed. 

Cardinals are expected to choose a new Pope before Easter. On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pontiff for 600 years to resign.  The 85-year-old told them that he no longer had the "strength of mind and body” needed to lead 1.2billion Roman Catholics "in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes”. 

He said he had "repeatedly examined my conscience before God” and was "well aware of the seriousness” of his decision, but talked of his "incapacity” to carry on due to failing health.