If you saw your father dying in his shoes and in such a painful, public way, would you insist he continue for the good of the neighborhood or his clients? Now Im going to get slammed because Im comparing the Popes calling with a secular life. Not at all. He is still human.
No, and more importantly, I think, it is not up to us. We don't just sit back and let life go by, but the wisdom of God is always greater than ours. It is difficult to give up the "this is what I wish" approach, but it is the essence of faith to do so.
I love this Pope, but have my doubts he has been speaking for himself for a long time.
Our ultimate goal in this life is to achieve life everlasting and to eventually dwell in the presence of Our Lord. The Pope suffers much and it's painful to watch him struggle to maintain his dignity.
It isn't up to me though.
sw