The Pope

[TheBear]

This is a sincere question.

Why doesn't the Catholic Church give the Pope some relief? I see him many times in physical agony, trying to perform his cerimonies, or public engagements. This makes me feel horrible for the senior citizen. Is he locked into that position until he dies? That just makes me feel bad when I see him like that. Is he allowed to step aside and let someone else take over as Pope?

How does that whole thing work?


Thanks,
John


(BTW, I hope people don't use this thread as an opportunity to Catholic bash. That is not my intentions.)

 

[marmaladePRO]

evenin' bear, i'm not *that* familiar with the Catholic order (if that is the correct term?) but it is my impression that the POPE holds his appointment until his *passing*... though members of CF more familiar will likely shed more light on this question than i

 

[isshinwhat]

He can step down, and in fact a few have, but he has said several times he does not foresee that happening. Here are a few passages from an article located here: http://www.rferl.org/pbureport/2002/08/31-200802.html

Later the same day, John Paul II bid an emotional farewell to thousands of people gathered for a nighttime vigil outside the archbishop's residence in Krakow. The crowd intoned, "Welcome, Alleluia" and "stay with us," when the pope showed his face from a window. "Unfortunately, it's a farewell meeting," the pope responded. Earlier the same day, while visiting the St. Florian Parish Church where he was a priest from 1948-50, John Paul II made rare mention of his mortality by saying, "I ask for prayers for all the current parishioners at St. Florian, a prayer for the living and the dead, and a prayer for the pope during his lifetime and after his death."

On 19 August, the pope visited the Kalwaria Zebrzydowska sanctuary near Krakow, the place that was very instrumental to forming his religious mission. "Most Holy Mother, Our Lady of Calvary, obtain also for me strength in body and spirit that I may carry out to the end the mission given me," the pontiff prayed at the sanctuary, thus -- as many commentators were quick to observe -- dismissing speculations that he may intend to resign because of his poor health.

Before arriving at the Krakow airport later the same day, the pope flew by helicopter over his birthplace, the town of Wadowice, and over the Tatra Mountains where he loved to walk and ski.

Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,

I pray that John Paul is continually given the strength to live out his conviction, and that he remains a bright beacon of the hope that lies in Christ Jesus.

God Bless,

Neal

 

[fragmentsofdreams]

Originally posted by marmaladePRO
evenin' bear, i'm not *that* familiar with the Catholic order (if that is the correct term?) but it is my impression that the POPE holds his appointment until his *passing*... though members of CF more familiar will likely shed more light on this question than i

The pope could retire if he felt it was what he is called to do, but it is his decision. As long as he feels able to cope with his infirmities, he will continue regardless of whether we wish that he would rest.

 

[KC Catholic]

I think that he offers his sufferings up to God and is doing his part to set the example for the rest of us.

I, too, would like to see him rest, but I think he is totatlly committed to Christ and the Church and will continue until God says its time to stop.

 

[niwde]

what a previlage to carry,leading one BILLION of the sheep of JESUS
that was what JESUS ordered peter to do after he confess his love for jesus
TAKE CARE OF MY FLOCK

i am sure papa is happy because,he is serving GOD and HIS will. he would have known the pressure and condemnation he would face when he became the 275th succesor of St.Peter.
standing alone against abortion
WOW he is the man


papa is still living because he still have unfinish business god wants him to settle it
after that god will bring him to his house.
GOD SAVE PAPA
VIVA IL GESU
VIVA IL PAPA

 

[VOW]

I've heard the Pope has been offered surgery and medication for his ailments, but he feels he can continue.

"It's only suffering," he has supposedly said.

John Paul II is an incredible human being.



Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[Chris†opher Paul]

It's only suffering....sweet! He is carrying his cross for Christ, for sure!

 

[patriarch]

Originally posted by TheBear
This is a sincere question.

Why doesn't the Catholic Church give the Pope some relief? I see him many times in physical agony, trying to perform his cerimonies, or public engagements. This makes me feel horrible for the senior citizen. Is he locked into that position until he dies? That just makes me feel bad when I see him like that. Is he allowed to step aside and let someone else take over as Pope?

How does that whole thing work?


Thanks,
John


(BTW, I hope people don't use this thread as an opportunity to Catholic bash. That is not my intentions.)

Well, he's the man.  He's the top guy in the Church and does not answer to anyone except the Lord.  In other words, there is no one telling him to keep going except his own conscience, and probably the Holy Spirit.  I know how you feel, though. If anyone is entitled to relax, and sip pina coladas in a chaise lounge overlooking Lake Albano, it is he.  But what a witness!  He is redefining old age  As a 59 yr old looking at the days and weeks this man puts in at age 82, the thought of retiring and spending my last days golfing and fishing seems really childish and even effeminate.  Is that what it means to serve the Lord wilth your whole mind and all your strength? Apparently he doesn't think so.  Some one asked him if he feels weary at the  end of a day and he said, "Well, if I did not, it would be a sign that I was not doing my job, wouldn't it...."

 

 

 

 

[TheBear]

How many days a week does he work? Does he give himself an occasional break? (When I say 'work', I mean public appearances, international travel, pontificating over Masses and cerimonies......things like that.)

Even though I will probably be out-voted on this, I think if he slows down a little, he will live a little longer and feel a little more healthier.


John

 

[seebs]

Originally posted by TheBear

Even though I will probably be out-voted on this, I think if he slows down a little, he will live a little longer and feel a little more healthier.

I think the Pope is the only one with the vote, and he filled out a proxy form for God a long time ago.

 

[VOW]

To Bear:

If he were to live longer, what would he do? What does a retired Pope do?

He is serving his God, and he can do that best if he gives 100% of himself to do so.

I'm sure he'd much rather die while serving than while counting angels on the ceiling of St Peter's Cathedral.


Peace,
~VOW

 

[panterapat]

The Holy Father is driven with an urgency to spread the Gospel to all nations. He sees the effects of sin in the world and he is doing all he can to bring the world to Christ. His advisers attempt to slow him down but he continues to push himself. Though his physical stature is suffering- his mental abilities are still sharp.

Two of my daughters went to World Youth Day in Canada. They expected to see a frail man speaking with slurred speech. But he became very strong and spoke clearly to the youth. He didn't even use the lift prepared for his debarking from his jet. Seeing the youth revitalized him.

Pope John Paul II knows his mission and will not stop until he is unable to take another step.

In Christ, Patrick