Patriarch Lubomyr (Husar) has resigned

(KyivPost) - Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, has resigned.

“The pope accepted the resignation which the most blessed has requested for a long time because of his health,” a source within the Ukrainian Catholic Church told the Kyiv Post.

The source requested anonymity since an official announcement about the resignation is expected on Feb.10.

The 77-year-old cardinal has headed Ukrainian Catholics since 2001. Even though the title of the primate is for life, Husar has asked the pope to accept his resignation for several years because of his failing health.

After his resignation, a temporary administrator will be appointed until a new head is picked within two months.

The election will take place during a Holy Synod of bishops from around the world.