Transitonal Pope: meaning as in a relatively elderly person, a lot older than John Paul II was when he became Pope (only 58 years old). John XXIII was in his early-mid seventies when he succeeded Pius XII. Paul VI who succeeded him was relatively robust at his conclave, but was nonetheless in his mid to late sixties. John Paul I (Albino Luciani) was not remarkably old (although older than his successor), but as we were to find out his health was collapsing and he soon died. Someone who would not necesarily rock the boat and would pave the way for another Pope to eventually take the reigns upon his death.
Sorry, I didn't express myself very well.
I understand the strict meaning of the words .... what I don't understand is what is to be gained? Seems to me to be a senseless waste of time and fraught with unintended consequences.