Pope Turns 75, but Says He’s Not Ready for Retirement : Religion: John Paul II hits the age when other Catholic bishops must offer to quit. But he’s leaving exit date to God.

With a gloppy dessert and a clerical rendition of “Happy Birthday,” Pope John Paul II reached retirement age Thursday, saying he will let the boss decide when it is time for him to leave office.

The Polish Pope’s 75th birthday triggered banner headlines in the Vatican’s daily newspaper and a welcoming flood of best wishes from admirers around the world.

Roman Catholic bishops submit their resignations to the Pope when they turn 75--except for the Bishop of Rome. He is the Pope, and John Paul made plain in an emotional greeting to pilgrims Wednesday that he is staying on the job.

“I renew before Christ the offer of my willingness to serve the church for as long as he wants, surrendering myself to his holy will. I leave to him how and when he will relieve me of this service,” the Pope said.

Aides said John Paul spent his birthday in a routine day of church administration at the Vatican, reviewing documents, seeing department heads and receiving small groups of lay and religious visitors at three private audiences.

In high spirits, he tapped his cane in time to birthday wishes sung by visiting bishops from India and indulged a papal sweet tooth at dessert after lunch with a handful of churchmen and friends. There were no candles but cakes galore delivered to the Vatican gates Thursday by well-wishers ranging from nuns to Roman housewives to neighborhood bakers.

Perhaps the most welcomed birthday gift for John Paul, who chafes at the strictures of Vatican life, will be a three-day pastoral visit to the Czech Republic and Poland starting Saturday.

On Thursday, President Clinton sent birthday wishes, as did Rome’s chief rabbi, who hailed John Paul as the Pope who destroyed “walls of diffidence” between Jews and Catholics. The Polish government issued a commemorative stamp, and Poland’s prime minister, Jozef Oleksy, urged him to “continue defending human life.”

Born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland, on May 18, 1920, John Paul will be remembered not only as the righteous and autocratic leader of his 950-million member church but also as a major catalyst in the fall of communism.

“The gift of freedom that was granted Europe will always be associated with your name. Our people will always be grateful,” said German Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s birthday greeting.

John Paul, who survived an assassination attempt and a series of medical problems, completes the 17th year of his reign in October.

Only one other Pope has ruled longer in this century, and no pontiff has left office except in death since the 13th Century.

Despite rumors after breaking his right leg last year that he might be forced to retire, John Paul was as determined then to stay on the job as he is now: “Doctor, you have to cure me and I must get well because there is no room for an emeritus Pope,” he reportedly told the surgeon who repaired the leg.