The papacy has traditionally been seen as a job for life, with pontiffs expected to remain at the helm of the Church until death
In a book of interviews, the 83-year Pontiff challenged centuries of Catholic Church tradition by saying that he would not hesitate to relinquish his post if no longer felt "physically, psychologically and spiritually" up to the job.
The papacy has traditionally been seen as a job for life, with pontiffs expected to remain at the helm of the Church until death. The last pontiff to resign willingly was Celestine V in 1294.
But in the book, "Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Sign of the Times", Benedict said: "Yes, if a Pope clearly realises that he is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right and, under some circumstances, also an obligation, to resign."
Pope Benedict is considered overall to be in good health but broke his wrist last year after slipping and falling while on holiday in the Italian Alps.
He admitted, however, that he is often taxed by his papal duties and frequent overseas visits.
"Of course, I am sometimes concerned and I wonder whether I can make it even from a purely physical point of view," he said in the book, which has so far attracted most attention for his remarks on the use of condoms being permissible in exceptional circumstances.
Earlier this year it was revealed that his predecessor, John Paul II, signed a document in 1989 saying that would resign if he became incurably ill, but unlike Benedict he ordered that the possibility remain a secret during his lifetime.
In the end, he remained in office until his death in 2005, saying it was for the good of the Catholic Church.
Benedict made 24 new cardinals at the weekend, 10 of them Italian, leading to speculation among Vatican observers that the next Pope could be from Italy.
The most likely contenders include Dionigi Tettamanzi, the Archbishop of Milan; Angelo Bagnasco, the head of the Italian bishops' conference; and Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, the president of the pontifical council for culture.
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/8151968/Benedict-heralds-possibility-of-resignation-if-his-health-fails.html
In a book of interviews, the 83-year Pontiff challenged centuries of Catholic Church tradition by saying that he would not hesitate to relinquish his post if no longer felt "physically, psychologically and spiritually" up to the job.
The papacy has traditionally been seen as a job for life, with pontiffs expected to remain at the helm of the Church until death. The last pontiff to resign willingly was Celestine V in 1294.
But in the book, "Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Sign of the Times", Benedict said: "Yes, if a Pope clearly realises that he is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right and, under some circumstances, also an obligation, to resign."
Pope Benedict is considered overall to be in good health but broke his wrist last year after slipping and falling while on holiday in the Italian Alps.
He admitted, however, that he is often taxed by his papal duties and frequent overseas visits.
"Of course, I am sometimes concerned and I wonder whether I can make it even from a purely physical point of view," he said in the book, which has so far attracted most attention for his remarks on the use of condoms being permissible in exceptional circumstances.
Earlier this year it was revealed that his predecessor, John Paul II, signed a document in 1989 saying that would resign if he became incurably ill, but unlike Benedict he ordered that the possibility remain a secret during his lifetime.
In the end, he remained in office until his death in 2005, saying it was for the good of the Catholic Church.
Benedict made 24 new cardinals at the weekend, 10 of them Italian, leading to speculation among Vatican observers that the next Pope could be from Italy.
The most likely contenders include Dionigi Tettamanzi, the Archbishop of Milan; Angelo Bagnasco, the head of the Italian bishops' conference; and Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, the president of the pontifical council for culture.
Read More
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/8151968/Benedict-heralds-possibility-of-resignation-if-his-health-fails.html
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