Almost veered off-topic, but stayed in the general area.
I'm believing that though the Pope has had his fair share of trials that result from his state as a human being, subject to all natural crosses that we bear, and that he has gotten through them fairly well, this might be the end for him.
It seems there are many of us, Catholic or not, who believe his strength will pull him through, but for myself, I believe that there is a prevailing possibility that he will fail, at which point the Church might suffer a great setback.
Ultimately, in terms of the beliefs, the fate of the pope is literally in the hands of God, and whatever it is He decides to do, we will never understand. "The Pope will make it." Maybe. "The Pope won't make it." Maybe.
And though that might have been in light of your more comical approach, Corsair, you bring up a very valid point. Who knows what's true and what's not?
...On a much lighter note - DAMN that popemobile is funkay.