“The Pope never considered retirement,” says Vatican observer

Catholic News Agency ^ | April 8, 2005

[NYer]

Vatican City, Apr. 08, 2005 (CNA) - In an article published in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Vatican analyst Luigi Acattoli pointed out that contrary to media reports, Pope John Paul II never considered resigning.

In 2000, Acattoli explains, the Pontiff made important additions to the text he wrote for his will just a few a months after his election during the Spiritual Exercises of 1979.   “As the Jubilee Year progressed,” the Pope wrote, “day by day the 20th century closes behind us and the 21st century opens. According to the plans of Divine Providence I was allowed to live in the difficult century that is retreating into the past, and now, in the year in which my life reaches 80 years ('octogesima adveniens'), it is time to ask oneself if it is not the time to repeat with the biblical Simeone 'nunc dimittis'.”

According to Acattoli, the Pope “never gave any serious thought to resigning; rather, in 2000 he prayed to God for help to understand how long he should continue.”

In fact, the Nunc dimittis, which is recited by the Church during Night Prayer—at the end of the day—does not refer to resignation, but rather to the moment of death: “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled…”

“And for Pope Wojtila, these words refer not to the peace of retirement, but rather to eternity,” Acattoli explained.

Acattoli notes the Pope was wondering whether the time had come for God to call him to Himself, and consequently it was meant to be a reflection on the preparation for his death, which would not take place until five years later.

That explains why the additions made to the will in 2000 conclude with: “As the end of my life approaches I return with my memory to the beginning…”

[NYer]

Media correction ping!

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[Dr. Zzyzx]

All seems rather moot at this point.

[alloysteel]

The position of Pope is not one in which there is anything like retirement. The Pope may become incapacitated, but he continues to fill the position while he breathes and can register his ability to communicate. Only when he is no longer able to communicate is the power of the Papacy shifted, even temporarily, to the regents within the Vatican. When breathing ceases the Papacy may be declared open.

Popes may abdictate, under huge pressure from the College of Cardinals, but they don't retire.

[anniegetyourgun]

I disagree with Dr. Z above....it does matter that the stupid media is corrected with the truth. When I read the John Paul II's comments (as printed), I never got out of it what the media was saying.

[wideawake]

I disagree. The liberal media loves the idea of a Pope retiring. They find new ammo for their opinion in mocking up a story that John Paul II considered it as an option - he's a weighty authority to have on one's side.

As it turns out, he did not consider it.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Popes may abdictate, under huge pressure from the College of Cardinals, but they don't retire.

Speaking as the primary caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient (my mother, now deceased), I have to inform you that that approach has a serious downside risk.

[A.A. Cunningham]

"And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed." Luke 2:25-35

[It's me]

In fact, the Nunc dimittis, which is recited by the Church during Night Prayer—at the end of the day—does not refer to resignation, but rather to the moment of death: “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled…”

I took it to read as letting him go as in death not resignation. Maybe because I have heard it often from the elderly.
I knew a woman who, every night, would ask God to take her. When she woke in the morning, alive, she said she would wonder what He wanted her on earth for. She died at age 92.