Papal Resignation - Incapacitation

Incapacitation

In the years leading up to his death in 2005, some writers suggested that John Paul II ought to resign due to his failing health, but Vatican officials denied that he had any intention to do so.

If requested, a diocesan bishop must offer his resignation from the governance of his diocese on completion of his seventy-fifth year of age and cardinals are not allowed to join a conclave after reaching eighty. However, there is no requirement for a Pope to resign upon reaching any particular age. Since the enactment of these rules concerning diocesan bishops and cardinals, three Popes, Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, reached the age of eighty during their pontificates but did not resign.

Apart from stating that, if the See of Rome is completely impeded, no innovation is to be made in the governance of the universal Church, and that the special laws enacted for these circumstances are to be observed, canon law makes no provision for the eventuality that a Pope is temporarily or permanently incapacitated for reasons of health, an assassination attempt or captivity, nor does it indicate what individual or body or group has the authority to certify that the Pope is totally impeded from exercising his office.