Could there be a cardinal who was formerly known as pope?

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Pianoman1210

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Dominus Vobiscum!!!

I just saw the Pope at the Youth Rally at Yonkers NY, and it was AMAZING!!!

I heard that the Pope can retire- and in Cardinal Dzwisz book on being JPII personal assistant for 40 or so years, it is mentioned that JPII considered retiring.

If the Pope retires, which seems very rare, is he back to his original name, or is he still called by his Papal name? Or is he called The Cardinal Formerly Known as Benedict? Would he be venerated as being a Past Successor of Peter? Or is he now not as big of a deal?

What if the Pope starts to suffer from dimensia or alzheimers and can’t mentally function as the Pope, and hasn’t retired?

I am just curious as to these answers!! Thank you and God Bless!!!

Carl 🙂
 
Hi,

If the pope retired he would be a pope emeritus. Just as a retired bishop is still a bishop and is treated as such, so with a retired pope. He simply would not have his former responsibilities. He would still be called “Holy Father,” etc. He would not be a cardinal, but a retired pope.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
 
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