[Jthro]

Pope John Paul II is a great man who has touched the lives of many people of all religious persuasions. I don't believe that he will step down. His body may giving up on him, but his faith is as strong as ever and that is what is important.

[mdittmar]

Looks like he has the weight of the world on him,praying he finds the strength he needs to continue.

[grumpster-dumpster]

This paragraph is most irritating:

There is a growing belief that the pope should resign, so that he might be spared further suffering, carrying on his shoulders the weight of a Church currently burdened by scandals involving priests and senior clergy.

Why not tell the truth! IMHO there is a faction that wants to take over the Church... but that "old conservative fellow" stands in the way.
...so that he might be spared further suffering
Pardon my French! "So that we can be done with him! is what they really mean!
(Or how about: "Will no one relieve me of this troublesome priest?)

Pope John Paul II is truly an inspiration of what a "Priest" should be! I'm just sorry he won't be around for future generations to know! Thank You Lord, for allowing this man to head your Church during these troubled times.