How Long do Catholics keep a Pope?

August 7, 2009

Pope john paul IIPope John Paul II

Today I talked to someone who commented on how much he had liked Pope John Paul II but wondered why we had him so long. When I said he was one of the longest reigning Popes ever, the guy said he thought the Pope was elected every four years, just like the President of the US.

I informed him that we keep the Pope until he dies, like the Supreme Court Justices but didn’t think to mention that he lives in our hearts forever.

And chose not to mention that in some cases, we keep them longer.

PopeGregoryVIITombPope St. Gregory VII

6 Comments | Catholic, Catholic Church, Catholicism, Catholics, Church History, Papacy, Papal Election, Papal Reign, Pope, Pope John Paul II, Pope St. Gregory VII, Year for Priests | Permalink
Posted by naniam