Pope Retirement Debate
Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 12:16 pm
Full Story on CNNVATICAN CITY (Reuters) -- Pope John Paul's latest illness has raised the question of what the Church would do if he were permanently incapacitated -- and reopened debate over whether Popes should retire instead of reigning for life...Melloni and other Church historians do not think a fixed age for papal retirement will be set in the future, but say a candidate for the papacy may be asked by fellow cardinals about his position on possible retirement for health reasons. However, some Catholics believe the Pope is a father figure indirectly chosen by God, and so should reign to his dying day.
I just want to know what you all think about this. I'm not Catholic, but I see both sides to the story. Should there be a point when a pope is forced to retire if he is incapacitated, or should he be Pope for life, and then at times when he is unable to rule, a Head Cardinal or something should make decisions for him? What do you think they should do? Anything?
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