Will Pope John Paul II Step Down?

On this one, I agree with ProfessorBainbridge, who cites the Pope's own writings as evidence that il Papa will remain such for the duration of his life. In Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life), Pope John Paul notes that human suffering has meaning in and of itself and can, with grace, be offered as a sacrifice to God. Consequently, don't look for the Pope to take the easy way out, even under the guise of making way for a more vigorous, younger pontiff.

Moreover, I am quite confident that a will of iron and fire still lurks beneath that increasing frail countenance. Pope John Paul will never be accused of being a quitter.

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