First, let me state that it sucks when any person falls ill and is on the verge of death (not necessarily now, but in general due to his old age and persistent ailments), especially when that person has had such a profound effect as this one has. However, I agree with Hal in hoping that he dies soon (for different reasons of course), and I'm Catholic.
This pope has done a lot of great things, but he has also been far more conservative regarding certain theological (and certain non-theological, such as priestly marriage and female clergy) issues than I and many others would like. Aside for that, Hal's right: he's old. He is no longer capable of doing the same wonderful things he has done in the past.
I only hope that the dissatisfied cardinals number highly enough so that they will elect a more collegiate and contemporary pope afterwards. One who will be far more liberal in his interpretations of the reforms of Vatican II. It will eventually come, but I'd like to see it sooner rather than later. On the flip side, I REALLY hope they don't elect someone like Cardinal Ratzinger.
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Le temps détruit tout
"Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling
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