"Anyone whose tagline is "godless atheist" is not exactly an expert on Vatican protocols."
Oh, that doesn't necessarily follow, at all. I've been a student of Vatican politics for years. Anyone who thinks the Pope is going to be on a respirator more than briefly is dreaming.
Of course, you'll never know. One day, there will simply be an announcement that the Pope is dead and the conclave is being summoned.
Don't mistake atheism with ignorance. Most atheists are students of religion.
I wouldn't. I would equate it with the absence of grace -- which is your problem.