These Parkinson's symptoms, he says, are noticeably worse than a year ago. Not Seen Parkinson's can affect the mind as well as the body. Observers at this week's Vatican conference also say the pope's thinking seems to be as clear as ever. They report that he is still challenging his cardinals with new ideas and asking them to confront complex church matters. If the disease were to affect the pope's cognitive abilities, it could lead to a leadership crisis in the Catholic church.
Vatican law makes no provision for removing an incapacitated pope.
If that happened, the church could be left effectively leaderless. It is not uncommon for Parkinson's patients to live for many years after developing dementia. ABC News Internet Ventures. Internet Safety Information applicable to the site.