Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Jaime Sin, the Philippines' ailing church leader who helped lead peaceful revolts that ousted two presidents, including longtime dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Sin reached the retirement age of 75 last month, forcing him to submit a compulsory resignation letter to the Vatican as head of the Manila Archdiocese that he has served for nearly three decades. The Vatican named Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales as Sin's successor.
"The Holy Father has graciously accepted my resignation," Sin said in a statement. "As I enter a new chapter in my twilight years, I can say with gratitude that I have given my very best to God and country.
"I beg pardon from those I might have led astray or hurt. Please remember me kindly."
Sin urged his followers to support Rosales, the 71-year old head of the Archdiocese of Lipa, south of Manila. He has gained a reputation among local priests for his opposition to illegal logging and work to address complaints of sexual misconduct against priests.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's spokesman, Ignacio Bunye, said Sin "guided our people through some of the most difficult period in our history. We wish him well on his retirement."
Sin emerged as one of Asia's most prominent religious leaders and advocates of democracy amid political turbulence in the Philippines.
Known for his vocal stance on many issues, Sin called on Filipinos to surround the police and military headquarters in metropolitan Manila in 1986 to protect then-military Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos and Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who broke away from Marcos.
That led to the "people power" revolution, which ousted Marcos over alleged corruption and human rights violations. The largely peaceful revolt became a harbinger of change in authoritarian regimes worldwide. Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989.
Sin also helped lead large street protests that led to the ouster of President Joseph Estrada over alleged corruption and misrule two years ago. Estrada, detained in a military hospital while on trial for economic plunder, has denied any wrongdoing.
Under Sin's leadership, the church has opposed calls to change the constitution — ratified a year after Marcos' ouster — saying it could endanger provisions safeguarding the nation from future dictatorships.
The Philippine church also opposed the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
Although revered by many Filipinos, Sin has come under criticism. He had a thorny relationship with Ramos, a Protestant whose 1992-98 administration promoted the use of artificial birth control.
Impoverished followers of Estrada, denouncing Sin and politicians who forced their leader from power, stormed the presidential palace in 2001 in riots that killed six people.
Sin issued an unprecedented apology to the poor shortly thereafter, acknowledging that the church had neglected them and made them easy prey for selfish, powerful people. He offered reconciliation and assured the poor that the church is not "anti-Estrada, but pro-morality."
The local church also has been hit by accusations of sexual misconduct. Last year, Catholic bishops apologized for cases by priests in recent years and pledged to act on complaints.
Afflicted with kidney problems and diabetes, Sin has cut back on his public appearances recently but remained a steadfast guardian of democracy.
Hours before hundreds of soldiers and officers staged a failed July 27 mutiny against Arroyo, Sin called on Filipinos to be vigilant against groups plotting to violently overturn the country's democratic institutions. The 19-hour uprising failed.