# What if the pope went crazy? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 9, 2000, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718 "2000-03-09T10:42:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/1 "2000-03-09T10:42:00Z")
What if the pope went crazy and told all the Catholics to convert to Buddhism or, better yet, to just be agnostic or atheist? What if he told them to worship wide mouthed bass and pray to rusted-out Chevrolets? Would they have to obey? I mean if what the pope says is the word of god and all? * * * “Honey we’re recovering Christians.” –Tori Amos - _In the Springtime of his Voodoo_ ---
**Author:** ![SoulFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@SoulFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SoulFrost)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/2 "2000-03-09T11:58:00Z")
Only when speaking _ex cathedra_, which almost never happens. Though, I suppose that he could do that too, if he went nutzo… I imagine that he’d simply be removed from office, with many prayers for his rapid recovery. But what if he only went slightly crazy…not enough for him to be identified as psychotic, but enough to change Catholic traditions and policies in more subtle ways? Dunno…but I guess that most hardcore Catholics would reject his “eccentric” ideas, Pope or not… Hell, I don’t know–I’m not even Catholic. How come I’m not in bed? -David ---
**Author:** ![jaydabee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c89c15/32.png) [@jaydabee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaydabee)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/3 "2000-03-09T12:17:00Z")
One can assume that GOD would handle that situation and would manipulate the outcome to HIS will. * * * watch what you say or they’ll be calling you a radical, a liberal,fanatical a criminal… ---
**Author:** ![Freedomx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/4af34b/32.png) [@Freedomx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freedomx)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/4 "2000-03-09T12:38:00Z")
Yeah right. There is only one word for the way this kind of thing gets handled: Poison. ---
**Author:** ![Gumby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@Gumby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gumby)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/5 "2000-03-09T13:00:00Z")
Not really an answer to your thread, I just thought I would add my 2c and say that I saw the pope a few weeks ago and although it was actually a moving moment for me , I don’t think it will be all that long before he does either lose it or simply expires. The old man is just getting too old, slurring his speech, trouble walking, sad really. * * * “Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is like expecting a bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian.” Dennis Wholey ---
**Author:** ![Boogarrheal\_Catastrophe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Boogarrheal\_Catastrophe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boogarrheal_Catastrophe)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/6 "2000-03-09T13:03:00Z")
You think there’s never been a crazy pope? from [http://www.kzpg.com/Lib/Pages/Books/NSSM-200/19-CH11.html](http://www.kzpg.com/Lib/Pages/Books/NSSM-200/19-CH11.html) > [@](#): > > “Some, even bishops, thought he was mad or talked about pathological symptoms. The Catholic Church historian Franz Xavar Kraus noted in his diary: `Apropos of Pius IX, Du Camp agrees with my view that ever since 1848 the pope has been both mentally ill and malicious.’” What would happen if God went crazy? * * * What game are YOU playing? ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/7 "2000-03-09T13:48:00Z")
Hot news flash, direct from CNN, Rome. Today at the entrance to to the First Methodist Church, in a suburb just outside Rome, sixteen people were killed in a shooting spree, that started when the Pope pulled out a handgun and allegedly yelled, “I’m gonna get you, you Protestant tourist bastards! All of you!” and began firing into the crowd. ---
**Author:** ![Fillet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/2acd7d/32.png) [@Fillet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fillet)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/8 "2000-03-09T15:16:00Z")
I suspect that if Pope John Paul II showed signs of major mental instability or deterioration apart from his physical infirmities, various members of the Curia would simply step in and shield him from further public contact. Having seen the most recent images of the Pope, I unfortunately agree with Gumby’s assessment that he might not be around for that much longer. IIRC, a pope only leaves office if he dies or resigns; he can’t be removed against his will. However, in the event that a physically healthy pope went mad, I would not be surprised if a letter of resignation “for health reasons” were presented to the public in his name, and the ill pope whisked away to a private asylum. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/9 "2000-03-09T15:23:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by jaydabee: > > watch what you say > or they’ll be calling > you a radical, > a liberal,fanatical > a criminal… HIJACK! What the heck is that from? I can’t place it… HIJACK OVER! Esprix * * * [Ask the Gay Guy!](http://boards.straightdope.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/001376.html) ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/10 "2000-03-09T15:51:00Z")
Dex, not funny. -Melin ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/11 "2000-03-09T17:51:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by Esprix: > \*\* HIJACK! > > What the heck is that from? I can’t place it… > > HIJACK OVER! > > Esprix > \*\* The Logical Song By: Supertramp Album: Breakfast in America We now return you to your regularly-scheduled program. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/12 "2000-03-10T06:19:00Z")
The premise of this thread is flawed. It presupposes that the Pope is not already crazy. C’mon, people, this is a guy who believes a human being was born from a virgin! He believes that a single god-entity is at bthe same time a triple god-entity. He believes there’s someone who existed who was 100% human and at the same time 100% god. He eats flesh and drinks blood. He thinks he can make make people saints by declaration. How much more proof do you need that he’s nuts? ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/13 "2000-03-10T06:26:00Z")
Filet is right. The Pope can not be removed from office against his will. However, I recall that Paul VI had a long, slow decline in health and that the Curia simply worked around him for a couple of years, much like what parliaments used to do with their kings and queens who lingered on. * * * I understand all the words, they just don’t make sense together like that. ---
**Author:** ![RavingMad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/edb3f5/32.png) [@RavingMad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RavingMad)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/14 "2000-03-10T06:56:00Z")
As usual, the [Onion](http://www.theonion.com/onion3505/pope_blesses.html) has the answers to all life’s questions. * * * ~ Complacency is far more dangerous than outrage ~ ---
**Author:** ![justwannano](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@justwannano](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justwannano)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/15 "2000-03-10T06:58:00Z")
Otto I do not argue religion or politics but I think you lack understanding. This is the religion that all christian religions came from. ---
**Author:** ![Nu\_Vo\_Da\_Da](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/97f17d/32.png) [@Nu\_Vo\_Da\_Da](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nu_Vo_Da_Da)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/16 "2000-03-09T19:21:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Otto > > I do not argue religion or politics but I think you lack understanding. This is the religion that all christian religions came from. I’m sure that many christians would be fascinated to hear this, especially those of, say, the Greek Orthodox persuasion. The Roman Catholic church spawned the Protestant groupings yes, but not _all_ christian sects. In any case, since when is that some sort of argument against the fact that the belief set contains some rather patently absurd beliefs? * * * Still later, Gerald did a terrible thing to Elsie with a saucepan. ---
**Author:** ![justwannano](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@justwannano](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justwannano)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/17 "2000-03-09T20:57:00Z")
NuVuDaDa I"m sure that many christians would be fascinated to hear this, especially those of, say, the Greek Orthodox persuasion Please Note : the mass in both Persuasions is nearly the same. Both use the" This is my Body This is my Blood"Bread and wine symbolism. As a matter of fact the Greek Orthodox are more traditionalist than Roman Catholics {And thats all I have to say about that} Forrest Gump ---
**Author:** ![jaydabee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c89c15/32.png) [@jaydabee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaydabee)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/18 "2000-03-10T22:50:00Z")
Freedom, Poision may very well be the way that God would handle the situation. Very few earthly kings or priest recieved special treatment in the Bible. Perhaps He would use this as a sign that the end is near. Anyway, religious debates are just too aggrivating for the thought they require. Both sides have already made up thier minds and they just turn into flames on God, catholics, atheist, or Jews (such as Dex’s crack). They might as well go to the Pit so I am not going to comment anymore, just thought I’d put in my two cents. * * * watch what you say or they’ll be calling you a radical, a liberal,fanatical a criminal… ---
**Author:** ![Sake\_Samurai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sake\_Samurai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sake_Samurai)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2000, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/19 "2000-03-09T23:07:00Z")
I’d like to see the pope on the end of a rope. * * * Yet to be reconciled with the reality of the dark for a moment, I go on wandering from dream to dream. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718/20 "2000-03-10T03:06:00Z")
> [@](#): > > This is the religion that all christian religions came from. An arguable statement (there was this protestant reformation I remember hearing about…) but not relevant in the least to the assertion that the pope is nutty as a fruitbat. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-pope-went-crazy/17718.md?page=2)