[Reaganwuzthebest]

I just wonder if the Pope is really running the show at the Vatican anymore ?

Probably not at this point, he's more likely just a figurehead.

[SampleMan]

Interesting question. My wife and I were discussing this the other night. My experience is with elderly neighbors. The man was 94 and very feeble, you could barely speak with him, as his hearing was poor and he was very hard to understand because of his gasps for breath. His wife was in great health and easy to talk with.

In speaking with her I discovered that her husband ran all of their finances, and after his death I helped her and realized what a great job he had done (with her as his hands and mouth).

I think the Pope still is quite mentally sharp, and with the resources at his disposal to bring and take communications, I think he is probably most capable of being in charge.

[ninenot]

A "figurehead," eh?

Here's an item of interest:

“During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, laws issued by the Roman Pontiffs can in no way be corrected or modified, nor can anything be added or subtracted, nor a dispensation be given even from a part of them, especially with regard to the procedures governing the election of the Supreme Pontiff.”

Now with a careful reading of the above, you may draw some conclusions about what happens when a Pope is still alive (and active, as is JPII.)

For all matters of import, the Pope MUST be actively involved.