How is Pope John Paul II doing?

[Wnghs2007]

I just wanted to know if anyone knows the latest on Pope John Paul II health condition?

[JQ Public]

?

just bumping it up for ya!

[streetsoldier]

His health has been shaky for some time; this last Eastertide, he seemed weaker and less able to function than ever.

How long he can hang on is anyone's guess.

[JQ Public]

Doesn't he have to choose a successor before he passes away? If he doesn't what do that mean?

[Aslkahuna]

the reigning Pope does not choose a successor. After a Pope dies, there is a consistry of the Sacred College of Cardinals which meets in the Sistine Chapel after a period of mourning and also a long enough time for the Cardinals around the World to come to the Vatican. They choose by secret ballot a new Pope from their membership. Hard to say if there's a favorite out there, but what with a number of American Cardinals disgraced by the sex abuse scandal in the Church, it's doubtful that any American is even in the running.

Steve

[Lindaloo]

[JQ Public]

^ lol what does that mean?

[OtherHD]

^ lol what does that mean?

I think it was in response to Steve's comment about the American Cardinals.

[streetsoldier]

Besides the sex scandals, American cardinals, archbishops and bishops, as well as priests, seminaries and lay Catholics, are seen as far too liberal by the College; many openly disregard Church teachings on salient issues of doctrine (abortion, same-sex marriage/unions, you-name-it).

The most likely successor, once Pope John Paul II passes away, will be either an Italian or a Spaniard...someone whose orthodoxy is strong, and will defend the Holy See in the same manner John Paul II has done.

[Aslkahuna]

Jaime Sin of the Philippines weren't already too old and retired from the
active ministry, eh would be a good candidate since he is definitely very orthrodox and also had a hand in the overhtrow of the repressive Marcos Dictatorship. Not all American Prelates are Liberal however, if recent news stories are any guide.

Steve

[streetsoldier]

This is true, but look at how many "practicing" Catholics either ignore, or lambast those American prelates openly, if not defiantly...using the time-worn (and incorrect) "doctrine" of "separation of church and state" as their justifcation to do what they will, regardless of anything passed down to the faithful ex cathedra ("from the chair"), which should have the same religious and moral force as an Islamic "fatwa".

The College of Cardinals doesn't merely look at the piety and resolve of its individual Papal candidates, but how strongly their message is adhered to by those within their Dioceses/Archdioceses.

In this, the American Catholic Church is sadly lacking.