You are correct. There is also no written rule that the Pope must come from the college of Cardinals (it's simply been an unbroken tradition since the 1300s) or even that the Pope must be ordained clergy (it's simply been an unbroken tradition for 2000 years). In theory, they could name me, a lay Catholic, as the next Pontiff. But even though it's totally permissible under the code of canon law to do so, that would create outrage, since it would be a total disregard for Catholic tradition.
In short, just because the Church or a Pope CAN do something, doesn't mean they should. I don't like to see an old man struggling to carry on his duties as Pope anymore than you do. It's unfortunate than many Popes physically deteriorate. But Christ bore the cross for hours, and JP II bore the papacy under much greater physical detriment than Benedict. It is a testament to Popes who carried on this tradition.
I accept Benedict XVI's right to step down, but I disagree with it and I am deeply saddened to see him to do so. The seat of Peter is not like a secular job where one just "retires"
Do you think he’s being selfish, that he doesn’t care as much for the Church as you do, that he doesn’t appreciate the importance of his actions as much as you do, that he doesn’t understand tradition and the office of Peter as well as you, or that he’s just not smart enough to see it as you do?
I know, these are rhetorical questions. Aren’t they?
In theory, they could name me, a lay Catholic, as the next Pontiff.
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Since I don’t ‘know’ you I am not trying to ‘insult’ you
BUT
if the above were to happen, DON’T hold your breath waiting for the ‘puff of white smoke’. <: <:
“But Christ bore the cross for hours, and JP II bore the papacy under much greater physical detriment than Benedict. It is a testament to Popes who carried on this tradition.”
And who was really running things when JP II was dying? How much of the reason that JP II did not step down is because of the calls for him to do so?
Perhaps Pope Benedict XVI does not want the Church in that position again.
I have watched him and noticed how frail he has become in the past several months. Look at him, look closely. He will not be with us much longer.