What should an ailing pope do?

We wonder if Bishop Karl Lehmann, president of the German bishops' conference, knew what he was starting with a passing comment on a radio program.

Asked what Pope John Paul II would do if his failing health incapacitated him, Bishop Lehmann replied: "I personally believe the Pope has the capacity, if he were to feel that he simply is no longer sufficient in his role, he would have the strength and the courage to say, `I can no longer fill this office in the way that is needed.'"

The bishop said it was "not easy to think about this. No one is accustomed to something like that happening -- a pope resigning." But he cited one precedent, St. Celestine V, who resigned from the papacy in the 13th century.

The comments immediately caused a furor as people lined up on either side of the question: Should a pope (any pope, not just the current one) resign if his health falters, or should he soldier on until his death? There are good arguments on both sides:

* The existence of a living ex-pope, no matter how ill, could breed schism if his admirers sense that his successor is straying from the course set by the resignee. The Church would be damaged as a result.

* But the Church could also be severely harmed by a pope who lingers on. Physical incapacity is one thing; every day, John Paul is showing how that can be endured and even overcome. But what happens if a pontiff becomes mentally weakened? Ronald Reagan has lived in the shadows of Alzheimer's Disease for several years, not recognizing friends and family. A pope with Alzheimer's could stop the Church dead in its tracks for a decade or more; worse, it might be run by subordinates acting in his name but without his knowledge or consent. Historians suspect that President Woodrow Wilson, disabled by a stroke, was supplanted by his wife without the public's knowledge.

As noted in an article on page 11, Canon Law -- developed under the guidance of John Paul -- allows an ailing pope to delegate authority and outlines the procedure for a papal resignation.

This all makes for interesting conversation and speculation. But after more than 20 years of watching him in action, does anyone doubt John Paul II will make the decision to press on until summoned by God?

(01-13-00)

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