I am not a Catholic, but I respect the Catholic religion. The poor Pope! He is so feeble and sick, I understand that he has to perform as Pope until he is deceased, but my goodness, they are pushing that poor man to hard. He cannot even do his "duties" properly due to being so infirm. How far are they going to push this poor man? I know he did not make his last scheduled showing due to illness, but I feel they should let this man rest and try and recouperate as much as he can and not push in so hard. Maybe now that Easter has passed, they will let him do this.

By Unschoolmom on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 09:06 am:

I have a feeling that it's not simply 'them' pushing the Pope but him pushing himself. He has the option of stepping down but has chosen not to yet.

By Missmudd on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 11:34 am:

This pope has always been a "go-getter" I honestly believe that the people around him would much rather have him resting and recouperating but he is refusing. I guess part of the reason this pope has been so loved and respected is this attitude, but I think you are right that he is working himself right into the Kingdom of God. It will be interesting seeing the new conclave and who will be the new pope when John Paul passes on. It will be a very hard act to follow. I doubt he will ever step down, I dont think it is in his makeup and he has also said that his suffering is a lesson to us all, that life is precious in any form, and should be respected and preserved.

By Katiesmommy on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 11:40 am:

I am glad to hear it is the Pope himself pushing himself to carry on his work. May God bless him. He is an inspiration to all people regardless of their faith.
Amy

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 02:11 pm:

Oh, I agree. From what I've seen and heard, and knowing this Pope's history, I am sure that he will continue trying to fulfill all his duties and responsibilities until past the last second. And, actually, there isn't person who can "make" a Pope do anything he doesn't want to do. They can nag, but he can say no and tell them to get out, and there is really nothing they can do. There is no mechanism to remove a Pope. He either resigns, or dies - there is no removal for ill health, and even if he were in a coma, as long as he is breathing he is the Pontiff.