But he's got no 401k...

Below is my reply to the Times' inqury for feedback on the subject of a fixed retirement age for Christ's Vicar on Earth.

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In response to your question, "Should Popes have a fixed retirement age?", my answer is no, they should not.

Too often the common perception of government in the world at large, nominally parliamentary and assuredly secular, is applied to the Roman Church. Despite the frustration it causes progressive Roman Catholics and other humanists the world over, the Roman Church is a monarchy whose earthly superior is chosen for life.

A mandatory -- and wholly random -- retirement age for the monarch of any state is inappropriate and contradictory.

Should the House of Lords require Her Majesty to retire next year? I think not.

Thank you for the opportunity to be heard.