MANILA, Philippines - Cardinal Jaime Sin, one of Asia's most prominent religious leaders and a key figure in the "people power" revolts that ousted two Philippine presidents, died today. He was 76.

The Roman Catholic cardinal had been in ill health for years and retired as Manila archbishop in 2003.

"As I enter a new chapter in my twilight years, I can say with gratitude that I have given my very best to God and country," he said after the late Pope John Paul II accepted his resignation. "I beg pardon from those I might have led astray or hurt. Please remember me kindly."

Father Jun Sescon, Sin's spokesman, told DZBB radio the cardinal was hospitalized Sunday with a high fever and suffered multiple organ failure.

Sin was the Philippines' moral compass, known for his vocal stances on everything from birth control to poverty, politics and the U.S.-led war in Iraq.