Bishop Retirement

[OnlySunshine]

I was thinking tonight and wondered something. I know Roman Catholic Bishops are supposed to submit their letter of retirement when they turn 75 years old and priests usually retire around the same age. The thing I'm wondering is, why is the Pope different? Pope Benedict XVI is almost 84 years old. This is just curiosity. I'm not saying I think Papa should be kicked out of the Vatican for his age or anything, but it just came to my mind after learning our Bishop is retiring soon. Thanks.

[cappie]

The Holy Father may retire if he chooses. The Code of Canon Law states, "If it should happen that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that he makes the resignation freely and that it be duly manifested, but not that it be accepted by anyone" (Canon 332, No. 2). Nevertheless, when a pope is elected as the Successor of St. Peter, the Church expects that he will remain in office until his death.

However, in the history of the Church, a few popes have resigned for various reasons, and a few have been deposed for various reasons.

The following Popes have abdicated:

Marcellinus in 304 A.D.;
Liberius in 366 A.D.;
Benedict IX in 1045 A.D.;
Gregory VI in 1046 A.D.;
St. Celestine V in 1294 A.D.; and
Gregory XII in 1415 A.D.

However it is not considered today, although the possibility is there, if a pope resigns from office, there will always be the temptation to challenge the authority of the new pope, pitting him against the old. Secondly, in modern times, the Church has been blessed with truly holy popes who have been strong leaders. Third, the Church has definitely made itself more independent, free of political machinations from secular leaders.

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict, has consistently said that he will serve as long as the Lord desires.