Topic:  Why doesn't the Pope have to submit a resignation?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: May 16, 2005

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. Greg Spencer

Question:  I know there are only 3 ordinations, deacon, priest and bishop. I also know that the Pope is Bishop of Rome. A diocean bishop must submit his resignation to the Pope when he reaches the age of 75. Why then doesn't the Pope have to submit a resignation at that age?

Answer: 

The pope has no set term and can serve out his papacy until death, as with Pope John Paul II. Our society often calls for retirement because we are used to a democratic or public voice in the matter, but the Vatican is not the United States, and we cannot treat it as such. If we look at the papacy as a way of life, then it makes no sense to see it in terms of retirement. Now mental capacity is another matter. Thanks