One of my friends thinks he is close to death. I wonder if he has a condition that would rob him of his massive intellect rendering the church, had he remained Pontiff, effectively without a leader?
I'm thinking something recent and incapacitating or deemed inoperable must have happened to him, such as a stroke or blood clot.
FWIW, check out this editorial by Reformed author Gary North. It tells the story of Barzillai declining King David's offer to retire in Jerusalem, and be cared for as the guest of the king (II Samuel 19) It concludes this way:
Barzillai knew he was too old to carry on. He refused the great honor of accompanying King David back to Jerusalem. He knew he would be a burden. He knew his advice might be poor, because of his infirmities. So, he wished the King well, but stayed behind.Pope Benedict XVI has decided to imitate Barzillai. He will retire to a monastery, where he will be cared for. Someone else will replace him. Someone else will bear the burdens.
His decision is unique in modern papal history. It may set a trend. Or it may be regarded as a unique decision like no other: a Pope who admitted he was human, and therefore no longer fit for duty in old age.
I hope I depart with equal grace when I have a terminal case of Barzillai syndrome.