Speaking and reading? That's the drain on him? Couldn't he just not travel, if he's resigning for health reasons he probably won't last long anyways. A few months of a non-mobile pope couldn't hurt much could it?
Ex-Benedict
- Thread starter BuffettClone
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It can be. Minds start to slip way before that age for most people and it probably takes up a lot of time. JP2 was obviously going thru Alzheimer's at the end and I'm sure that was very hard on him and his staff. The pope is responsible for important decisions to that religion and when your mind isn't fully there, the right choice might not be made.
It's about having some compassion too. Enjoy the rest of your life, peacefully, while close to the end. I think it's a wise choice.
Wouldn't surprise me if it's a non-European. Technically, the pope can be any Catholic male, so I'm officially announcing my candidacy.
Not being Catholic, or very religious, I think this shows what kind of respect Benedict has for the title of Pope. He doesn't want Catholics to have a Pope that they never see because he is too frail and weak. I think this shows great humility on his part and he wants what is best for his people. It would be tough for anyone to give up a position of that type of power and prestige.
I told my wife this morning that maybe I would run for pope, but she said that's not how it works. It looks like I'm going to have to shake things up and make some changes when I get elected.
It is definitely a different path than that chosen by his predecessor. Remember that he was an important assistant to John Paul II, and by being that close and seeing what JPII could and couldn't do, and what may have gone undone, perhaps he thought this was the better road for the Church at this time. On the other hand, JPII thought that his very public suffering was an example to the world of dignity in suffering.
Sure was a shock to Mrs. Velo and I as it was said on our radio about 5 seconds after our alarm turned it on this morning.
Very surprising, but it's important to note the reason is not to Health Difficulties - just age; the Pope doesn't have any debilitating illness, he's just 85-years old.
Also, I've read two of his 3-part book series, "Jesus of Nazareth" and I was blown away at this man's scholar and aptitude. I feel he's one of the premier Christian Theologians writing today and any Protestant, or Orthodox would be impressed with his presentation of orthodox Christian Doctrine.
His physician has told him that he should not be traveling internationally; advice he has been ignoring for a while.
Both Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict showed different way to respect a duty.
John Paul provided an example that if you are entrusted with a duty, you do everything to do it, even if you are constrained by obstacles, including physical conditions. It's a symbol of strength and dignity.
Benedict shows another option that you don't have to cling to your power forever. You are entrusted with a certain position and if you think someone else or other generation can do better, it's better to pass the baton. It's a symbol of humility.
John Paul provided an example that if you are entrusted with a duty, you do everything to do it, even if you are constrained by obstacles, including physical conditions. It's a symbol of strength and dignity.
Benedict shows another option that you don't have to cling to your power forever. You are entrusted with a certain position and if you think someone else or other generation can do better, it's better to pass the baton. It's a symbol of humility.
My Dad is 85 and I'm seriously thinking of restricting his driving privileges, or just taking the car keys
I kinda wish some Supreme Court Justices would look at the Pope as a good example.
My Dad is 85 and I'm seriously thinking of restricting his driving privileges, or just taking the car keys
I kinda wish some Supreme Court Justices would look at the Pope as a good example.
You could be a **** about it or you could instead hire him a full time driver like Morgan Freeman...
