The Pope

People who do not understand the role of Pope may ask why he doesn't retire. Bishops and priests retire. Popes die in office. As the holder of the office held by Peter, John Paul is bound to carry the office out to the bitter end. He is in the process of givinig his very life, all of it, in service to God. That is why the average bishop or cardinal does not really want to be Pope. It is a job that has no retirement possibility. John Paul can retire in heaven after faithfully following Christ's call to make desciples of all the nations. Whether you agree with him or not, it has to be acknowledged that Pope John Paul II has been one of the most charismatic, forceful, and respected leaders, not only that the Catholic Church has ever produced, but also that the modern world has seen. He is one of the giants of history.