Pope John Paul II will not resign

Pity the western press when it comes to covering the Vatican, and especially when it concerns this pope.
Richard Owen of The Times Online is trumpeting a report that Cardinal Angelo Saldono, the Vatican Secretary of State, is publicly suggesting that Pope John Paul II might resign over his latest illness (reported to be the flu, complicating his ongoing Parkinson's Disease).

Let's see, what did Cardinal Soldano say?

"... that the decision should be “left to the conscience of the Pope”. He added: “We should have faith in him. If there is one man who knows what to do, it is he.”

Oh, absolutely. That's conclusive proof, isn't it? Coming on the heels of a recent statement by the pope that he could no more resign his office than Christ could have "resigned" in the middle of the crucifixion, Cardinal Soldano would have to be completely tone deaf to his boss in order for his statement to mean anything other than a statement of support.

Let's see if Mr. Owen has any more "proof":

On Sunday an aide read a message from the Pope, saying: “In this hospital, in the middle of other sick people, I can continue to serve the Church and all humanity.” The comments were seen as a rebuff to those calling on him to resign.

Uh, excuse us, Mr. Owen. That doesn't sound like the prelude to a retirement. (Who do you think you're covering? Kofi Annan?)

But perhaps we're being just a bit judgmental. How about this bit of "proof"?

However, asked if a Pope who was unable to speak could govern the Church, Cardinal Sodano said: “The Lord knows how the Pope guides his Church. We do not have to worry about it. The Lord is great.”

First, on its face it is a testament to the power of Jesus Christ working through His vicar, the Bishop of Rome. If you are not Catholic you don't have to believe it, but you at least have to smart enough to realize that faithful members of the Catholic Church, including the Pope and his curia, do believe. Only by ignoring faith can a reporter twist Cardinal Soldano's words to imply that he was virtually kicking the pontiff while he was down.

Oh, yeah, and that typical Times-ian reliance on the anonymous "Vatican Insider" who, it was reported, is shocked -- SHOCKED!!! -- that Soldano would speak thusly. The Times uses more anonymous sources than a crack cocaine cartel. How damned convenient for them.

The media elite may never understand this but the rank-and-file of the Catholic Church do not want John Paul to resign. We want him to live as long as possible and die in the saddle, so to speak. His pontificate has been long and distinguished, filled with diplomatic, theological and even artistic successes. Under his direction our Church is well on its way to recovering from a half-century of worldly excess, corrupted theology and institutional weakness brought about by mostly good intentions. He has reformed seminaries and priestly formation, and he has helped refine and meld traditional Church teaching with the instructions of the Second Vatican Council.

Now, in his afflicted and aged body, John Paul II is still leading us in the imitations of Christ, bearing in his body, as St. Paul once wrote, sufferings of the cross that Jesus in His mercy allows His followers to share. It is an example the Church, indeed even the world, needs to witness so that we might follow in our own way. Christianity on earth is not yet the triumphal parade to the new Jerusalem though we are assured that this is our destination. For now it is the struggle in weakness and humility, a sharing in the plight of the hungry, the ill, the persecuted and the disenfranchised, as we share the good news that the Redeemer lives, and welcomes all to new life eternal.

The pope knows that the way to holiness is not through power and wealth. The road is narrow, rocky and uphill that leads to reconciliation and eventual reward. And Jesus walks beside each who chooses this difficult journey.

This is why the pope will not resign. He has no interest in making life easier for his Vatican staff. To do so would be counter-productive. He has no mandate from God to take the easy way out himself. Lord knows the pope deserves the rest, but he knows his is coming soon anyway. The blessed rest of the faithful servant.