From Whispers in the Loggia:As frustrated as the pope may be about the continuing debate, at least one Vatican insider thinks Benedict may even consider turning in his resignation. Father Eberhard von Gemmingen, head of the German language staff at Radio Vatican, said the pope "has his back to the wall," in comments to German radio. "As I know the pope," he said, "then it is certainly possible that he has thought to himself: 'At some point I might have to step down so that the papacy is respected.'"And that last quote is your bombshell of the day.That really took my breath away--horrifying, actually. I certainly hope he doesn't do that. I don't think that will help the Church. He's not an elected official. He's not the head of a corporation. He's the Pope. He can't resign.I can't think of anyone who would be a better Pope, in toto .I think the Vatican needs to find someone who can help them deal with the Age of Instantaneous Information.And maybe we'd all better start praying more for him too. What a huge cross that job must be. He's over eighty.

Cathleen Kaveny is the Darald and Juliet Libby Professor in the Theology Department and Law School at Boston College.

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