Posted on 02/03/2005 7:10:07 AM PST by Servant of the 9
Future popes will be required to retire at a fixed age, according to secret plans being discussed because of the recurring health woes of John Paul II, it was reported today. Senior Roman Catholic Church sources said cardinals who will select the next pontiff have discussed the need to choose a successor who is open to a retirement age, most likely 80. They said the cardinals want to avoid a repeat of recent years in which John Paul's ailments forced him to turn decision-making over to a small group of senior aides, The Times of London reported. The creation of a retirement age would end a tradition that has lasted 2,000 years — that a pope serves until death. Disclosure of the secret plan comes as officials said John Paul II's health had stabilized following his emergency hospitalization. The 84-year-old pontiff will remain at a Rome hospital for "a few more days," mainly as a precaution against complications, such as pneumonia, the Vatican said.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
A 'Retired Pope' will be an even bigger loose cannon than Jimmy Carter.
SO9
Good point.
Aaron Brown was discussing the Pope's "Lair-nicks" with some guests the other night.
They retired at a fixed age before.
One second after death.
Not so secret a "secret plan".
The Pope serves as Christ's Vicar on earth until death.
No need to "fix" what ain't broke.
AIn't never gonna happen.
Interesting *ping*
The Papacy is still an absolute Autocracy. Anything the College of Cardinals decide is not binding on the current or future Popes.
This "fixed retirement age," a clear departure from traditon, is sure to present the Catholic faith in the best possible terms to non-Catholics the world over! I wonder what they'll think of next? Electing non-Catholic popes?
This is an excellent idea. Gives them time to start dating Anna Nichole Smith.
Insulting but true. Look at the chaos caused by the other Popes who were convinced to retire.
So9
I heard on the radio yesterday that the Pope stated long ago he would retire the day Christ steps down from the cross.
Leni
I hear Jimmy Swaggert is available.
SO9
I wonder if these unknown senior officials at the Vatican quoted are the same ones seeking ordination for women, married priests and other heterdox.
Some years back, President Ezra Taft Benson was incapacitated for a long period of time but continued to preside until his death while sustained and assisted by his counselors; the Quorum of the Twelve; and the rest of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as, we believe, was the will of the Lord.
That said, my earnest prayers continue for the peace, comfort, and life of one whom I consider to be a great and righteous man, Pope John Paul II. May his eventual successor be vigorous and resolute in tackling the pressing problems of the church to which many of my friends faithfully belong....
Why stop there? How about an athiest LESBIAN Pope?
Secret plans, huh? What a bunch of baloney!
Very funny. On a lighter note, given life expectency in Roman times, I bet Jesus would have been retired five years after the resurrection had he stuck around that long.
I think the Vatican should go back to its old mandatory retirement plan:
401-Hemlock
This is one option that should be seriously explored. We welcome married priests from other denominations. And show me where the rule is that legitimately prevents the ordination of married men.
Bring in married priests and we can start getting rid of the "pink palaces" and the fags they send out among the faithful.
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