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http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/03/31/pope1/index.html

Yes, he's-a da freakin' Pope, head of one of the most backwards, fundamentalist, oppressive religious institutions around, and I disagree with the policies put forth by his office (not sure they've been from *him* in quite a while). I still think of JP2 as the progressive liberal voice of the Church. Considering that Opus Dei has a strong chance of putting one of their own under the funny hat, this may mark the end of a relatively forward-thinking era for the Catholic church. (Yes, be scared.)

I can't help but wonder though, given recent events... aren't they about fifteen years early with those last rites? I mean, I'm sure that he could be kept marginally alive for years yet, with enough intervention...

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From:

gwywnnydd.livejournal.com

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.