Note that I'm not suggesting he should resign based on his comments on Islam. His comments weren't THAT bad. But hypothetically speaking if he said something so terrible that he decided it would be better if he resigned. Is he allowed to by Canon Law, or is the only way to stop being pope to be dead?
2006-09-18 03:42:26 · 14 answers · asked by Steven S 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There ought to be a voluntary "out".... and there is. They're allowed to resign, but no pope has done so in centuries.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/24/world/main676447.shtml
2006-09-18 03:43:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
As the pope is Christ's Vicker on earth, so they claim, it would be up to Christ if he was allowed to resign. It would, theoreticaly, be a decision that even "canon Law" could not override... But it is all moot anyway... as The pope's position is a man invented office and not from God. And the Roman "church" is not an institution founded by God.
2006-09-18 03:48:31 · answer #2 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. He is Pope until he dies. Non-negotable. If he did something that wrong, he would probably be put away. Look up the history of the Catholic Church. There is even a "myth" that Pope John XXIII, who only served for about 23 days, right before Pope John Paul, was poisoned. I might not have the right names, but the facts are out there.
2006-09-18 03:54:09 · answer #3 · answered by violetmax 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. According to Canon Law thier can only be one Pope at any given time. That's why we saw Pope John Paul II allow to remain even tough he was physically in ruins.
2006-09-18 03:44:14 · answer #4 · answered by Billy! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, the Pope is elected for life. Just like the monarch. Only death signals the end of their reign. However, all the statements he made are not totally of his own making. He has the cardinals. Much like the President of the United States, who has his speechwriters, his cabinet staff to formulate and correct, and review his speeches.
2006-09-18 07:56:22 · answer #5 · answered by rosieC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but why should he? Should he bow to Muslim extremist? That would be a kick in the pants to Christianity. I think that if the Pope were to resign it would do irreparable damage not only to the Catholic church, but to Christianity in general.
2006-09-18 03:48:10 · answer #6 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes if he wants to it's only been used once though in 2000 years.
I'think it was used by pope Innocent ## don't remember the number.
2006-09-18 03:45:04 · answer #7 · answered by carl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He may be able to, but there is no need. He was only telling the truth. He was too easy on Islam. He should have told them what a bunch of pathetic savages they are and how they should be eradicated from the earth!
2006-09-18 03:44:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think he should be able to. isn't it sad what this word has come to that we are asking if the pope can resign!
2006-09-18 03:45:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a Pope leaves his position, his soul burns in the hot dry flames of Hell for all eternity.
2006-09-18 03:46:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋