VATICAN CITY – Supporters of Pope John Paul II came to his defense after the Italian media reported that an influential German bishop had called for the resignation of the 79-year-old pontiff for health reasons.
During a radio interview broadcast Jan. 9, Bishop Karl Lehmann was asked if he thought the pope should resign.
Lehmann responded that if the pontiff “were to have the feeling that he was simply no longer capable enough to lead the church, I believe that he would have the strength and the courage to say, ‘I can no longer fulfill that which needs to be done.’”
On Monday, Lehmann defended his comments saying he did not mean to suggest that the pope should resign and that he was misinterpreted by the media.
Papal supporters started their own media campaign, pointing to John Paul II’s vigorous travel schedule as evidence of his health and presence of mind.
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