Pope's brother suggests he may be too old for job

REGENSBURG, Germany - The elder brother of newly-elected Pope Benedict XVI suggested on Tuesday his sibling, Joseph Ratzinger, may be too old for papal office.

"At age 78 it's not good to take on such a job which challenges the entire person and the physical and mental existence," Georg Ratzinger, 81, said.

He was speaking before his brother was elected the Church's 265th pontiff.

"At an age when you approach 80 it's no longer guaranteed that one is able to work and get up the next day," he added.

Commenting on his brother's character, Georg Ratzinger said: "He is a very normal person, mindful and responsible and easy to get along with. I could name a whole range of positive characteristics."

- REUTERS