[Arthur McGowan]

If he were going to die soon, I don’t think he’d resign.

[sunmars]

maybe i’m cynical but popes don’t resign or go and resign, they die, who knows, maybe he’s sick ,maybe he got the warning of “you’re leaving one way or another, you decide”. Its Not like Popes have not been bumped off before.

[bgill]

If he were going to die soon, I don’t think he’d resign.

Agreed.

I can't believe all the disrespect and jokes from FR.

[circlecity]

"If he were going to die soon, I don’t think he’d resign."

I would think just the opposite. He would resign to help effect a smooth transition rather than the turmoil as sudden, unexpected death would occasion. Plus, he would get to spend his last days with his God, friends and family apart from the distractions of office.