Mandatory papal retirement?

By Domenico Bettinelli, Jr. ( articles - email ) | Feb 09, 2005

While some have been talking about a possible papal retirement, based on the Holy Father's most recent health scare (including us here at CWN: see the link below), there has also been talk recently of creating a mandatory papal retirement age, like that which is in effect for bishops. Canonist Ed Peters says thats a lot of silly talk.

The Pope is the supreme legislator in the Church. There is no person or body within the Church to pass such a law binding on a pontiff. And even if one pope were to pass the law, his successors would only have to repeal it.

There will be no mandatory retirement for popes.