Last rites

Last rites? Already? Wow. He must be fading fast. Have they declared a successor yet?

The College of Cardinals can’t elect a new Pope until the previous one has died or stepped down. The Wikipedia has a good article on papal elections.

I know I’ll be flamebait for this, but I wish they’d let the man rest already. The whole “you’re Pope until you’re dead” thing is… just wrong.

It’s been his decision to work up until the end. He could’ve stepped down at any time.

He’ll get his rest soon.

I was informed that popes don’t have that option.

There will be 9 days of mourning before they will begin the task of electing a new pope.

Yes, he does, Paul. Why are you so eager to throw stones?

when in rome…

(yes, i know that made no sense in context, but i caouldn’t resist the pun)

Wha…? Throwing stones? Where in the world do you get that from?

I’m simply stating that any time I’ve asked anyone in the past, I was informed that valid reasons to abdicate must be of sizeable consequence and/or effect, and personal reasons (regardless of what they are) simply weren’t enough.

I also figured since one of the people I asked about this years ago was a priest, he would probably know better than I would.

Since you’re the first I’ve heard to dispute this, I merely replied as such.

How, exactly, does that qualify as “throwing stones”?

Technically, a Pope can abdicate for any reason. However, it’s generally not a good idea unless there is a very good reason to do so.

By “throwing stones,” I’m referring to your first comment. Just because someone did something that you don’t agree with or comprehend doesn’t necessarily make it wrong.

I think you’re forgetting that the Pope knew what he was getting into. After they elected him, he was given a chance to refuse. He chose to abandon his life to do God’s work.