The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has ruled out Cardinal Medardo Mazombwe from the candidates to succeed the Pope Benedict XVI who has resigned.
ZEC spokesperson Father Paul Sumasumo said Cardinal Mazombwe is ineligible to contest the race to become a Pope because he is over 80 years.
Father Sumasumo said only cardinals under the age of 80 can take part in the conclave which will constitute cardinals that will vote for the new Pope.
Out of the 203 cardinals, only 117 are eligible to vote for the new Pope 11 of whom are from Africa.
Pope Benedict announced he is stepping down at the end of this month due to poor health and the new Pope is likely to be chosen by March 25.
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