Pope Struggles With His Health

[james423]

It has been interesting the past few days watching the struggle the pope has been having with his health. Of course, at 84 that is to be expected.

But the interesting part about these news reports is the attitude Vatican officials - if quoted correctly - have to say on the pope's two hospital visits. At first, their attitude was basically "no problem". That was to be expected in a closed world like Vatican City. Then some Vatican officials apparently hinted to at least one news reporter that a papal "resignation" was not out of the question. It makes a person wonder if behind the scenes there is a power struggle beginning on the supposition that this pope hasn't long to live (which I believe).

Now for a bit of speculation. John Paul II when elected was a comparatively young, energetic pope who climbed mountains and exhausted his subordinates with his pace. I have wondered if this pope were to die and a much younger pontiff were to take his place if this would attract the young people (and many of the older ones, too) more and hasten the final events we know will happen. Certainly all the world would "wonder" after the papacy all the more.

It is an interesting thought at this point, nothing more.

[Neil D]

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.... if this would attract the young people (and many of the older ones, too) more and hasten the final events we know will happen. Certainly all the world would "wonder" after the papacy all the more.

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A few years ago [10? or was it more?], when the pope caome to visit the US, there were people who lined the streets...Christians from all denominations...I knew that there were catholic people, but I wondered if there were protestants there...I am absolutely sure there were....and I wondered at that.....