23 Mar 05
Originally posted by kirksey957Perhaps he's decided not to go for aggressive treatment.
What do you think? He continues to decline growing more and more frail. Why are they not offering him experimental treatments and more aggressive physical therapy? Perhaps a lung transplant? Surely the Church has the resources.
23 Mar 05
Originally posted by lucifershammerCan a pope abdicate then? I thought he'd have to be dead before a new pope can be chosen, though this is presumption on my part. It just seems to me that if one is chosen by god to be his mouthpiece on earth, surely that position can only removed by death?
Yes. As long as it takes.
EDIT: I presume he's left clear instructions on his abdication should such a fate befall him.
Anyone know the exact protocols on this?
23 Mar 05
Originally posted by Starrman"Retire" or "resign" would be the technical term but, yes, a Pope can voluntarily give up his position.
Can a pope abdicate then? I thought he'd have to be dead before a new pope can be chosen, though this is presumption on my part. It just seems to me that if one is chosen by god to be his mouthpiece on earth, surely that position can only removed by death?
Anyone know the exact protocols on this?
http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?art_id=27743
23 Mar 05
Originally posted by StarrmanPopes can resign. There is precedent, but I'm not interested enough to go look it up.
Can a pope abdicate then? I thought he'd have to be dead before a new pope can be chosen, though this is presumption on my part. It just seems to me that if one is chosen by god to be his mouthpiece on earth, surely that position can only removed by death?
Anyone know the exact protocols on this?
D
23 Mar 05
Originally posted by RagnorakI did 😉
Popes can resign. There is precedent, but I'm not interested enough to go look it up.
D
From this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope
I found this paragraph:
Resignation
The Code of Canon Law 332 §2 (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P16.HTM) states, If it happens that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that the resignation is made freely and properly manifested but not that it is accepted by anyone.
It was widely reported in June and July 2002 that the Pope John Paul II firmly refuted the speculation of his resignation using Canon 332, in a letter to the Milan daily newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Nevertheless, 332 §2 has given rise to speculation that either:
* the current Pope will resign as his health fails, or
* a properly manifested legal instrument has already been drawn up that puts into effect his resignation in the event of his incapacity to perform his duties.
Regards, Nikolaj