Benedict XVI keeps personal doctor of late pope

VATICAN CITY, June 21 (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI will keep the personal doctor of his predecessor, John Paul II, but has relieved the 81-year-old doctor of his duties as head of the Vatican's health services, the Vatican announced Tuesday.
In a statement, the Vatican said Pope Benedict had named Giovanni Rocchi as head of the health and hygiene office of the Vatican state, replacing Renato Buzzonetti.
Buzzonetti, who oversaw the treatment of the ailing John Paul II for decades until his death in April, remains the pope's personal doctor, spokesman Father Ciro Benedittini said.
Franco Berti was named as deputy head of the Vatican's health services.

06/21/2005 17:21 GMT