MANILA, Philippines - Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales expects Pope Benedict  XVI to name his successor before the year ends.

“It’s probably even before (November)… I think it’s before Christmas,” Rosales said in a CBCPNews report.

Rosales, who turned 79 last August 16, earlier hinted that he would retire later this year but did not give the exact day of his retirement.

The cardinal submitted his resignation in 2007 when he turned 75, the retirement age for bishops, but the Pope extended his term indefinitely.

“I’ve been looking forward to this (retirement) and it will be granted already,” he said.

Observers said the next Manila archbishop faces a crucial role on various socio-political issues including the contentious issue on the reproductive health (RH) bill.

Rosales, for instance, has publicly criticized President Aquino for supporting the birth control measure but at the same time made moves to reduce tensions between the Church and the government. With a report from CBCPNews