Why the pope's pacemaker was a secret?

[fabio_rocha]

The Vatican is acknowledging for the first time that Pope Benedict XVI has had a pacemaker for years and that its battery was replaced a few months ago in secret. Why?

 

[dshix]

The Vatican is acknowledging for the first time that Pope Benedict XVI has had a pacemaker for years and that its battery was replaced a few months ago in secret. Why?

Probably didn’t want to concern people with something wholly irrelevant to the pope’s purpose.

 

[DexUK]

Your medical records are private.

Why shouldn’t the Pope’s be similarly private?

 

[ProdglArchitect]

Probably didn’t want to concern people with something wholly irrelevant to the pope’s purpose.

This.

That he had a pacemaker is about as relevant to his being Pope as my hair color is to my profession. It does, however, go a long way to explaining why he is choosing to step down.

 

[LaSainte]

Pacemakers can be adjusted via computer. Maybe they wanted to prevent any possible assassination attempt from someone hacking into the system and causing a heart attack. Of maybe I watch too much Homeland.

 

[pollynova]

Probably just wanted to avoid speculation about his health. A lot of people have pacemakers and have normal, healthy lives.

 

[GEddie]

Probably just wanted to avoid speculation about his health. A lot of people have pacemakers and have normal, healthy lives.

Blessed are the pacemakers, for they shall receive plutonium!!!

(couldn’t resist, even though I need to do penance now)

 

[triumphguy]

The Vatican is acknowledging for the first time that Pope Benedict XVI has had a pacemaker for years and that its battery was replaced a few months ago in secret. Why?

Why is it your business? Do you post your medical information online for all to see?

 

[The_Professor]

Why is it your business? Do you post your medical information online for all to see?

Dear triumphguy, while I agree with your sentiment wholeheartedly, I think it’s funny that you ask about posting personal medical information when your signature has your decreasing weight. (Congratulations on the loss by the way. I just thought it was a funny conflation.)

 

[triumphguy]

Dear triumphguy, while I agree with your sentiment wholeheartedly, I think it’s funny that you ask about posting personal medical information when your signature has your decreasing weight. (Congratulations on the loss by the way. I just thought it was a funny conflation.)

True - it’s my way of being accountable. I figure if I stop someone will call me on it.

 

[Zekariya]

Perhaps to protect him from a magnetic assassination? People with pacemakers can’t have strong magnets close to their heart.