the Church is *not* set up to handle a too-sick-to-lead Pontiff. JP2 is 87, he's got Parkinsons, he's got knee and hip problems that keep him from walking (aside from the disruption from the Parkinsons), and yes the Church frowns upon "extreme" life-saving measures, but who's to really say what those are?
Throughout history, a sick Pope either got better, or he died, either outcome came in a matter of weeks. JP2 could be kept alive, perhaps even mentally functional, for years. Watching what happens tot he structure during that time will be fascinating.
Of course, I figure that the American Church will split off from the Vatican in the next couple of decades, unless the vatican changes it's long-standing positions on either A) Priests being allowed to marry, or B) Ordination of Women. The US seminaries aren't turning out enough priests to meet the demand. There just aren't enough young American men willing to make that committment.
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Actually, it'll be interesting to watch the political fallout
Date: 2005-04-01 12:13 am (UTC)Throughout history, a sick Pope either got better, or he died, either outcome came in a matter of weeks. JP2 could be kept alive, perhaps even mentally functional, for years. Watching what happens tot he structure during that time will be fascinating.
Of course, I figure that the American Church will split off from the Vatican in the next couple of decades, unless the vatican changes it's long-standing positions on either A) Priests being allowed to marry, or B) Ordination of Women. The US seminaries aren't turning out enough priests to meet the demand. There just aren't enough young American men willing to make that committment.