A papal abdication?

by Editor · May 29, 2002

Ever since Pope John Paul began to show signs of what is commonly believed to be Parkinson’s disease, much speculation has focused on the prospect of a papal resignation.
This week we report that several cardinals, including the pope’s most senior aide, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, do not rule out the notion of John Paul’s vacating the throne of St Peter should his health irrevocably deteriorate to the point of incapacity.

It is devastating to observe this pope, once so forceful and charismatic, being reduced to near paralysis.

John Paul’s afflicted appearance has become the sad punchline to many a stand-up comedian’s gag. Some more sober observers, meanwhile, aim to establish analogies between the pope’s physical condition and what they perceive to be the state of the Catholic Church. Others wrongly equate the pontiff’s physical frailty with an enfeebled mind.

Yet, this weakened pope maintains a demanding work schedule. He may not look so good, but he keeps on going. More importantly, his mind remains as sharp as it ever was. His latter writings testify to this.

Yet, a time may indeed come when John Paul will consider abdication. Ironically, the pope who is regarded by many as conservative and dogmatic also has a revolutionary and pragmatic disposition. It would be in character should John Paul break with tradition and retire, the first pope to do so for reasons of health.

But would this be good for the Church?

To purposely resign, John Paul would have to be in full command of his mental faculties. This could give rise to complications. A conclave would almost inevitably be dominated by the living pope. By proxy and even without wishing to do so, he might designate his own successor. Likewise, the newly elected pope may find it difficult to govern with the long shadow of his predecessor looming.

Throughout his long pontificate, John Paul has had little involvement in the day-to-day running of the Church; the scope of his spiritual leadership has always reached beyond the mundane ways of bureaucracy. Should he be unable to govern, the mechanisms to continue as before are in place, for better or worse.

The Church will be served better if Pope John Paul occupies the throne of St Peter until the Father calls him home.