Feb 10, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The president of the National Bishops Conference of Brazil and Archbishop of San Salvador de Bahia, Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, weighed in on media reports this week speculating about papal retirement, saying Pope John Paul II views “the governing of the Church as a mission” that will only reach its conclusion when he is called home to the Father.
Speaking to local reporters, the cardinal explained that although the Pope is physically limited, he cannot be dismissed, according to Canon Law. He explained that “the Pope could resign, but as long as he can communicate what he thinks and the issues that concern him, even if only in writing, “he can continue to govern the Church.” On the other hand, the Secretary General of the Conference, Auxiliary Bishop Odilo Pedro Scherer of Sao Paolo said the Pope is “in full recovery.”