[cold_vicious_logic]

My grandmother died of Parkinsons (or at least it started out as Parkinsons). It is a slow, degenerative killer which takes its afflicted apart one day at a time, eventually leaving them as a vegetable. At JPII's age and health, I think it would be ludicrous for anyone to expect him to hold out until the bitter end. That would serve no purpose either for himself or for the Church. I'd say the time has come for him to pass on the torch.

[Black Cat]

Sadly, I agree. I believe that someday -- probably sooner rather than later -- JP2 will be recognized as a saint, and he's done a wonderful job leading the church into the 21st century, but I'm sure that no one realizes more than him that the church requires active leadership, not a bedfast figurehead. John Paul has served for nearly a quarter-century and has earned tranquility in his final days. There's no shame in that.

[andysandmikesmom]

I worked in nursing homes for many, many years, and took care of so many Parkinsons patients during their final months and years....

You are so correct about this being a slow, degenerative disease, that leaves its victim, at the very end, in a terribly debilitated state...often unable to move, unable to speak, virtually unable to do anything at all and having to have their every need attended to....many also develop dementia....most are completely bedridden at the end...

But its also true, that Parkinsons can follow different paths at different rates for different individuals...Its obvious that the Pope is ill, and that much of what he does in the course of his duties, is painful for him...yet, bless his heart, he endures...

I am not Catholic, but do admire the Pope...I only pray, that he will be true to himself and to God, and do what he thinks is in the best interest of his flock...

Yet, its difficult to know if there are behind the scenes actions taken by those who surround the Pope, whether to try to keep him as Pope, past the point where he is able to function on his own, to those who would try to rid the Church of him, in hopes of securing a Pope more to their own ideals...

I do know, that should the Pope continue to decline, both physically and mentally, there is a real problem involved here, and I have no answers for the dilemma...

I just continue to pray for the Pope, and for his well being...