Why can't Pope heal people today?

[Paul_Schifani]

Non-Catholic friends question the authority of the Church and the Pope. They evidence that Christ and the Aposels had healing powers during their minister on earth. Specifically when Christ or Aposels were questioned about authority in the new testiment one could point to the physical healings as a sign. Why has this power deminished for recent popes?

I recognize this is not the end all, but did not know if anyone has addressed the deminishing of this power vested in the pope or bishops of recent times.

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

We do not know how or why the Holy Spirit distributes gits such as healing. However there are many gifts of the Holy Spirit and He distributes them for the benefit of the Church. There is nothing inherent to the position of Bishop or Pope that would require the specific gift of healing.