Changing times for new Pope

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The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI could change the nature of the modern papacy. Vatican experts and some church leaders said Benedict’s decision sets limits for future popes. This also makes them more subject to pressure from critics. Experts said this feeds the view that Popes are not just spiritual leaders of 1.2 billion Roman Catholics but chief executives managing a multinational conglomerate. The possibility of resignation could allow the cardinals to choose a younger man, knowing that a limited term is an option, or an older one, knowing that he could quit if unable to fulfill his duties. South Africa’s Cardinal Wilfrid F. Napier said “The precedent has been set.” Such issues have never been on the table during the modern papacy. Not everyone is pleased about it, and some worry about a destabilizing effect. Australian Cardinal George Pell said Benedict’s example could prompt critics to “mount a future campaign” against a successor “to get him to resign.” Benedict, when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, worked closely with Pope John Paul, and watched as the old Vicar grew increasingly infirm. The experience is believed to have been a factor in Benedict’s decision to resign.

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