What in the world is this author writing?
Popes do not resign.
Vying factions???
LOL!
There's another way of leaving.
There has been a rumor/meme that I have heard floating around recently among the fringe dispensationalist conspiracy theorists that this pope will be assassinated.
The assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II was foretold. I have heard it said that Pope Benedict XVI might have to rule in exile.
(Which makes me wonder about end times — but I don’t want to hijack the thread.)