John Paul's knowledge accumulation persisted chiefly because he was at the center of world-historical events, such as the fall of European communism and the emergence of a technology-driven society. John Paul, who was Polish, had a "triumphant first pilgrimage to his communist-run homeland in 1979," which has been characterized as fomenting anticommunist action in Soviet Europe (Woodward, 2005, p. 36). He has also been described as both a "consummate politician" and "the most authoritarian pope since Pius XII," which indicates the breadth of his knowledge and skill in navigating modern religious and secular politics.
Continuity Theory. This theory is often invoked with reference to retirees, whose sense of identity and self is linked to their former jobs. For example, Reitzes, Mutran, and Fernandez (1996, p. 655) cite continuity theory when noting that "preretirement worker-identity variables may influence self-esteem and depression in retirement." Continuity also refers to shifts that come about because of loss of loved ones, whether from death or other dislocation. In John Paul's case, the office undoubtedly distanced the man from many, though he reportedly remained close to some childhood friends throughout his life (Woodward, 2005). On the other hand, the responsibilities of the office mandated his stewardship of doctrinal and institutional continuity, which implies the absorption of enormous responsibility.
Social Clock. The papacy is a lifetime appointment not limited by regular work hours. In a sense he is "on" all the time. There are reports of his interest in nature walks, and his massive travel schedule for missional purposes is well documented (Woodward, 2005). Reportedly he also was deeply involved in the activities of daily living a the Vatican, entertaining visitors at his sole discretion and evidently able to converse with multiple companions in several languages (Weigel, 2005).
Disengagement Theory. Cumming and...