Tampa Bay Times, Letter to the Editor, Feb. 18
Pope's unorthodox move raises many questions. . .
Here's what seems odd
about the pope's resignation: Every really old pope over the past 600 years,
since the last resignation, has probably grown too intellectually and
physically feeble to do the job well. It's a lifetime position, and often
lifetimes drag on beyond the point when anyone can do a good job. Which leads
to the conclusion that over the last 600 years deputies have stepped in quietly
to continue the work until the doddering old pope finally dies.
So what makes this
pope's condition different from any of the other old popes before him? Why
aren't there papal helpers who can step in under the radar and take care of
business for his last few years? Or is he being pushed out under the weight of
pedophile priest and Vatican bank scandals? That's an unpleasant thought, but
it makes more sense than that no Vatican staffers could be found to step up and
silently help the pope through his last faltering months and years.
Edward Cifelli, Dade
City
