1. Inhalt
  2. Navigation
  3. Weitere Inhalte
  4. Metanavigation
  5. Suche
  6. Choose from 30 Languages

Reader Response

Should the Pope Resign?

DW-WORLD readers have reacted strongly to an article raising the question of whether a Bavarian could succeed Pope John Paul II and are divided on whether the current ailing Pope should resign.

No successor to the Pope in sight

The following comments reflect the views of our readers. If you would like to have your say, click on the feedback button below. Not all reader comments will be published. DW-WORLD reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

I think Pope John Paul II should resign. He's so frail as to make one uncomfortable to see him trying to carry on as if there's nothing wrong. He's done his job and now should be allowed to retire -- Fran Newman
I think it is madness to think about the Pope resigning. The Vatican is not a multinational company or one manages armies or the sort. Its power is solely spiritual. The day the Papacy bents to the demands of the media, it will be end of the Catholic Church. -- Francisco A. Olivas
I think it is extremely unlikely that the Pope will resign due to illness. However, if he does, it might make sense. Presidents and world leaders face tremendous workloads or schedules and it might enhance his health if he didn't have to be the Pope -- Eileen Brennan
It would be an historic event if the current Pope were to resign. How long has it been since this has ever happened? I am from the US and feel it would be appropriate for our current Pope to retire. On the other hand, it would be strange for to two living Popes. What would you call the retired Pope? What would his official title be? What would his function be? These are all interesting questions which I do not believe we will have opportunity to discover. I do not believe that the current Pope will resign, but I believe it would be appropriate if he did -- Donald

The Pope has been at the helm of the church for a long time. I was very involved in the church in the past. But it has become very conservative. I think the Pope has been a thorn in the side of many Catholics as the American church struggles to survive. Attendance in the church is down. Is the Pope to blame? He is very influential, but not infallible. He has made errors in his time as Pope. I was a Catholic and since the conservative movement, I have detached myself from the Church. I am lesbian and that is simply not OK with the church at large. I think it is hypocritical for the church to be against abortion yet those who are born and are a little less than the church expects are shunned, It makes no sense to me. I miss the ritual of the church and wish I felt comfortable to return -- Mari Hang

If the Pope is wrong that abortion is the taking of an innocent human life, then those Jewish leaders who criticized him are on target. If he is right that abortion is the taking of an innocent human life, then he is entirely on target. Repeating mantras about a woman's right over her own body do not engage the argument, which is why pro-life perspectives are growing on liberal campuses in the United States. A friend at the University of Minnesota told me that young women from poor backgrounds feel personally threatened by the pro-abortion stance because their mother's chose to make sacrifices to have them and educate them without the help of a dad -- Tom Haessler
I think only God can tell the Pope to step down in his throne. May the Pope survive and bring the Christian world triumph and fulfill his pastoral missions -- Jaoa, Philippines

I do not believe that the Pope should be forced to step down from the papal throne any more than I believe he should be forced to maintain it. Although he is the spiritual leader of a large number of people, he is first and foremost a human being himself. He is an old man, and he has been ill. If he feels he is able to continue in his duties, then he should be allowed to continue. He should not be forced to step down if he believes he can still effectively lead the Church. If he feels that his age and infirmity preclude him from keeping his position, he should be allowed to leave the papal throne. He should not be bullied by certain Catholics who deem it improper for the Pope to step down. Ultimately, the decision should be the Pope's. He and his doctors know better than anyone what his abilities are and know what is best for Karol Wojtyla, the man who has given most of his life to the Church -- Sheila C

I strongly oppose any talks of Pope John Paul II stepping down. When he feels it is time, he will do it. There is no reason to discuss this matter now. Don't plan on something that has not yet happened so let's continue to pray for the Pope's speedy recovery and let him decide on his own -- Lola Aguero, USA

I'm quite sure that John Paul II has been progressively impaired in his ability of exerting doctrinal leadership ever since his Parkinson disease started getting out of control. Leaving him as a figurehead that either nods or dismisses whatever Cardinal Sodano, Cardinal Ratzinger, or Monsignor Navarro Valls actually figure out for him is unjust to his own legacy as a strong, conservative, inclusive, charismatic, multicultural-friendly Pope. We know he wants to go on until he literally dies, but he should resign. If anything, he might influence the election of a new Pope that, in my view: a-shouldn't be Italian, perhaps should be from an economically disadvantaged region of the world, is receptive and has had extensive experience with youth, as the former Cardinal Wojtila had, and has proven to be an energetic and charismatic leader -- David E. Miró

DW.DE

Could a Bavarian Become Pope?

While some priests say talk of a papal resignation is in bad taste, others are looking for the man who will come after John Paul II, and there's a chance it might be German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. (Feb. 10, 2005)