Isn't it likely that every pope, at least during the last 100 years or so, became too ill or frail to carry on the duties of pope? So, why is this one being "so sensible" about his health and the advice of his doctors? Is there more to it? Where does a retired pope live?

Some of these questions and more could be answered in the near term future but some of them may not be answered for decades, if then.

Best regards,

RA1

This gives cause to think: Whatever one thought of John Paul II, and whatever one thinks of the Church, and churches in general, the dignity of his sitting in the Chair until the bitter end was a lesson in conviction.

It is a rather dramatic event. I tend to think that dealing with the issues facing the Church requires now more than ever a pope who has the energy, strength and mental clarity to lead. Considering how medical advances can keep a body alive much longer, it does not necessarily follow that the other things mentioned can be maintained. It seems that only the person with the responsibility can fully determine if he is capable now and in the future to carry on his duties to the level he feels is required. As an example, it is not inconceivable that at some point a pope will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. For what greater good is there for that pope to continue in his role when it reaches a certain stage?

Isn't it likely that every pope, at least during the last 100 years or so, became too ill or frail to carry on the duties of pope? So, why is this one being "so sensible" about his health and the advice of his doctors? Is there more to it? Where does a retired pope live?

Some of these questions and more could be answered in the near term future but some of them may not be answered for decades, if then.

Best regards,

RA1

Because it is way too coincidental that the guy in charge of the fucking

INQUISITION, who collected (and failed to act on) ALL of the documents

about abuse for what, 10-20 years, *just happens* to resign RIGHT as a

shit-ton of those documents are being forced into the open.

I'm sure they can always find a quiet villa somewhere in Italy or Germany for the pope to retire to, but then what? Does he play in celebrity golf tournaments like an American ex-prez? Does he lobby corporate execs for his private charity foundation? What kind of relationship does he have with the new pope? (As I remember, the last pope to resign, Gregory XII, did so only after he was assured that he could still be #2 in the hierarchy--there were two other living ex-popes at the same time, both having been formally deposed--but since he died shortly afterwards, questions of precedence were avoided.) Since Benedict is over 80, he is not qualified to vote for his successor, but what part will he play in the choice?

This story will be welcomed by the political media, caught now in a lull between presidential election campaigns.

LOL. He couldn't do worse than Gerald Ford who, although a very good athlete, managed to hit numerous folks with an errant golf ball. Your speculation of a quiet villa in Italy or Germany had not occurred to me. I was thinkging of an apartment in the Vatican but as various have mentioned, that could bring on protocol problems, couldn't it. I mean he isn't your crazy old uncle but the recently ex head of the Catholic Church.

Back room politics are always the most important, aren't they, whether it be the politics of US political parties or those of the Catholic Church?

It will be interesting, although I don't think we are quite through with budget and other crises here in the US.

Best regards,

RA1

Well they are looking for more celebrities for the next "Dancing With The Stars".