Pope Benedict marks two milestones this week and while his health appears stable, signs of frailty have again prompted speculation over whether he will be the first pontiff in seven centuries to resign.
Benedict, one of the oldest popes in history, turns 85 on Monday, and on Thursday he marks the seventh anniversary of his election as successor to the immensely popular John Paul II.
After 25 years of the media bashing JPII, it’s fun to read them touting his “popularity” in supposed contrast to Benedict, who, of course, has been “frail” since becoming pope. If I had a fraction of his energy at 60, I would be a happy man.