Posted on: Saturday, March 13, 2004

Pope's reign to become third longest in history

Associated Press

VATICAN CITY — It may only be a footnote in reference books and the Vatican has not planned any celebration or festivity, but Pope John Paul II will reach another milestone in his papacy tomorrow.

John Paul, who marked the 25th anniversary of his election as pope on Oct. 16, will surpass Pope Leo XIII to become the third-longest-serving pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.

"It's a beautiful thing, because it's a gift of our Lord," said Cardinal Paul Poupard, who has worked alongside the 83-year-old pope at the Vatican for several decades.

But even in an institution where life at the top often begins when prelates reach their 60s, some are asking whether term limits should be imposed for future popes.

One of the Vatican's most powerful officials, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, gave an indication of the thinking last month. Asked whether future popes may be elected to a fixed term, he said:

"The pope is selected for life because he is a father and his paternity comes before his role. Perhaps in the future, with life being prolonged, one also would consider new norms, but it doesn't seem to me to be a current issue."

The Vatican lists St. Peter, the first pope, as serving from A.D. 30 to 64 or 67 — a total of either 34 or 37 years. Second on the longevity list is Pius IX, who served 31 years, seven months and 17 days until July 20, 1903.