A few days ago, Sandro Magister took note of two articles that had recently appeared in Italy about the possibility of Pope Benedicts resignation. Discussion about the similar matter had arisen during the last decade of Pope John Paul IIs reign as Parkinsons disease took an increasingly visible toll on his health. (A friend described it as Watching a snowman melt.) The present Pope was one of many high-ranking prelates to take the possibility seriously. A closely related question is what to do if a pope becomes so ill, physically or mentally, that he cannot function. There are provisions in canon law for procedures to follow in the case of a diocesan bishop, but none when the bishop in question is the Bishop of Rome. I once asked a cardinal if he didnt think this a very serious lacuna in church law, and he, a trained canonist, replied very vigorously: Its very seriousthey can keep you alive forever! It should be one of the first things the next pope fixes!) It certainly has not been fixed publicly, although Magister hints that there may be protocols in place. I was pleased to see Magister refer to the last article published by my dear friend Fr. James Provost, professor of canon law at Catholic University, along with an article by Bishop Kenneth Untenerboth published in America.A few days ago, Sandro Magister took note of two articles that had recently appeared in Italy about the possibility of Pope Benedicts resignation. Discussion about the similar matter had arisen during the last decade of Pope John Paul IIs reign as Parkinsons disease took an increasingly visible toll on his health. (A friend described it as watching a snowman melt.) The present Pope was one of many high-ranking prelates to take the possibility seriously.A closely related question is what to do if a pope becomes so ill, physically or mentally, that he cannot function. There are provisions in canon law for procedures to follow in the case of a diocesan bishop, but none when the bishop in question is the Bishop of Rome. I once asked a cardinal if he didnt think this a very serious lacuna in church law, and he, a trained canonist, replied very vigorously: Its very seriousthey can keep you alive forever! It should be one of the first things the next pope fixes!") It certainly has not been fixed publicly, although Magister hints that there may be protocols in place.I was pleased to see Magister refer to the last article published by my dear friend Fr. James Provost, professor of canon law at Catholic University, along with an article by Bishop Kenneth Untenerboth published in America.