Should there be an age limit for popes?

Should there be an age limit for popes?

Pope Francis

Eike Clemens Kullmann

Foreign policy editor, Weltspiegel

PER

Worth considering

Pope Francis’ increasingly apparent health problems are fueling discussion about an age limit for the head of the church. Finally, this also applies to the eligibility of cardinals to vote in the conclave (80 years). This is definitely worth considering. But: Shouldn’t that also apply to politicians?

Francis (87) has repeatedly hinted at the possibility of resigning if he no longer feels up to the job. On the other hand, he recently said: “You govern the church with your head, not your legs.” Regardless, the church should avoid having to celebrate human infirmity in front of the world public. Benedict had avoided this since 2013 – rightly so.

Philip Hirsch

Philip Hirsch

Head of regional department

CONS

Visible suffering

We like to ignore the difficult sides of life. Suffering, illness and death are a part of the world that we in Western societies are only marginally aware of.

Pope John Paul II suffered greatly in his office. His Parkinson’s disease shaped his work as church leader. Prominent people who become seriously ill usually understandably withdraw from the public eye. John Paul II continued voluntarily, tormented himself publicly and thereby showed that illness and old age are a part of life. The images of the frail pontiff, who persevered despite all odds, showed one thing above all: human greatness.

And what is your opinion about it?

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