From the outside looking in, one might presume the papal office as one of power in which an ailing pontiff might need to be removed. As I commented on an earlier post, people today are living longer and traveling more. The pope has a physician who counsels him on his health. A pope perceives his position as one of "servant of God", not ruler. When a servant is ill or incapacitated, he does what is in the best interest of the flock.
We were privileged to witness this with Pope John Paull II. When he became pope in 1978, John Paul II was still an avid sportsman. At the time, the 58-year old was extremely healthy and active, jogging in the Vatican gardens, weight training, swimming, and hiking in the mountains. His health began to fail after an assassination attempt on his life. He also developed Parkinson's disease. None of these challenged his mental faculties, even though the media constantly raised questions similar to yours.
For us, as catholics, it was agonizing to watch him deteriorate but we recognized this as his personal witness to God's gift of life. Even on his journey towards death, he continued to instruct us on the value of life.
I have no doubt that a pope who believes he can no longer perform the responsibilities of his elected office, will make the right decision, even if it entails reisgning (see my post #32).
“For us, as catholics, it was agonizing to watch him deteriorate but we recognized this as his personal witness to God’s gift of life. Even on his journey towards death, he continued to instruct us on the value of life.
I have no doubt that a pope who believes he can no longer perform the responsibilities of his elected office, will make the right decision, even if it entails reisgning (see my post #32).”
I very much agree with this...and hope that we are all praying regularly for the Pope.