( CNN ) -- Pope Benedict XVI is considering changing the Vatican constitution to allow a vote for his successor to begin before March 15 , Vatican spokesman the Rev . Federico Lombardi said Wednesday . Benedict , 85 , shocked the world last week when he announced his intention to stand down effective February 28 , citing the frailty of old age . Existing rules say the Roman Catholic Church 's cardinals should start voting on a replacement from 15 to 20 days after the papal throne becomes vacant . With Benedict 's resignation due to start February 28 , the cardinals ' conclave ordinarily would start no sooner than March 15 . But Lombardi has said that because Benedict was leaving the papacy through resignation rather than death , the Vatican would explore the possibility of selecting a new pope sooner than normally prescribed .
Existing rules say vote for replacement should begin 15 to 20 days after papal vacancy . But Vatican has said because Benedict XVI is resigning , a vote might be held sooner than usual . Score: 6