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PandaMuffin1 t1_je711jw wrote

Honest question. Can't he just retire? His health has been failing for years.

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notapolita t1_je71ee4 wrote

Technically he can, that's what the previous pope did too. But it's supposed to be a life-long position.

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Kaltias t1_je74xpd wrote

He said a few months ago he would retire in case of permanent health problems preventing him from carrying out his duties, so he doesn't rule out the option if it becomes necessary.

He can retire but he doesn't want to, at least not yet.

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yellovalleyrook t1_je858aw wrote

How important are his duties really?

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Kaltias t1_je8z1pu wrote

He is a head of state and the leader of a religion with over 1 billion followers, so i would say important enough

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yellovalleyrook t1_je98z3d wrote

His state is 100 acres with a population of less than 1000.

The Catholic bureaucracy can no doubt manage without him.

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