[golux]

Wow. What must it be like to replace a resigned Holy Father? And might there be secret reasons for Der PanzerKardinal’s announcement? And what exactly does one do as a “former” Pope? Do Oprah? Hang out with Lance Armstrong? Market a private-label cheese? Judge America’s Got Talent?

[agere_contra]

Former Popes usually join monasteries.

[Cronos]

remember that Cardinal Ratzinger never wanted this honor. He will do, as he said, retire to a live of contemplation and prayer

Pope Benedict is extremely good as a scholar and theologian. he did not believe he was good enough to fill the shoes of a charismatic person like Pope John Paul II.

And, as a person, he definitely was not. He looked old and frail before JP II died, but since then he actually looks younger -- and the only explanation is the Holy Spirit looking after and over him

[Mrs. Don-o]

Still, I bet he keeps a Twitter account. But @Pontifex will have to be retired. He'll have to get a new one with a different handle: I'd suggest @GermanShepherd.

[Atlas Sneezed]

And what exactly does one do as a “former” Pope?

---

Probably about the same as any elderly priest who is suffering from a debilitating disease or (as I tend to suspect) advancing dementia. A quiet, secluded life of prayer and appropriate care.

[ArrogantBustard]

And what exactly does one do as a “former” Pope?

Find a convenient monastery and live out one's days in peace and prayerful communion with Our Lord.

That, and seek appropriate treatment for whatever serious illness has driven this.