A leading German bishop's suggestion that Pope John Paul could retire if his health prevented him from doing his job caused a raging controversy in Italy on Monday. The suggestion by Bishop Karl Lehmann was even more controversial because, while the Pope's critics inside the church have made such remarks in the past, it was the first time it came from a leader of an important bishops conference. Lehmann, who is president of the German Bishops Conference, made his comments in an interview German radio on Sunday. Although his comments were heavily qualified, they were carried in big headlines in most Italian newspapers. Lehmann was asked to comment on whether it was time for the Pope, who was elected in 1978 and has had a series of health problems in recent years and often looks frail, to step down.
Popes usually reign for life.
Gregory XII reluctantly abdicated in 1415 in order to resolve a dispute when there was more than one Pope reigning at the same time. It is naturally difficult to imagine such a situation. Nobody is used to the idea of a Pope stepping down. Despite the attempt at clarification, Lehmann's words were met with shock in the Vatican and beyond. Even Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini weighed in.