Rumors of Pope Francis’s possible resignation are circulating in Italian media: in addition to health concerns, there are other indications that the head of the church will resign in August, it said.
Francis is plagued by health problems. His right knee hurts so bad he can barely walk. The 85-year-old appears in a wheelchair in front of the public. He would refuse surgery because of concerns about the anesthetic. “I would rather resign than have knee surgery,” the pope is said to have said recently during a closed meeting with Italian bishops, the Roman daily Il Messaggero reported Thursday.
“The Pope’s words are causing a stir in the Vatican,” the well-informed newspaper said. In July 2021, the Pope had to undergo major bowel surgery under general anesthesia. There was also speculation about a layoff.
Consistory fuels even more speculation
There is also speculation about the consistory convened on August 27 to appoint 21 new cardinals – 16 of whom will then have the right to elect the pope. With the new appointment, Francis will have had a very strong influence on the College. Of the currently 132 eligible voters, 83, almost two-thirds, have been appointed by him. Vatican experts wonder why the Pope has scheduled the consistory every day in August, a month of vacation in warm Rome. “It is unusual for the Pope to invite people from all over the world to Rome in purple at the hottest time of the year,” Il Messaggero said.
Observers also wonder why Francis wants to travel to the city of L’Aquila the day after the church council. There he would be the first pope to participate in the so-called Perdonanza Celestiniana. This is a forgiveness ceremony introduced by Pope Celestine V. Celestine was the first modern pope to resign in 1294 after only five months in office. Francis’ immediate predecessor Benedict XVI. prayed at Celestin’s grave in 2009. This was then considered indicative of his resignation four years later. The 95-year-old Benedict has lived in a monastery in the Vatican since his retirement.
Vatican experts see “unfounded” rumors
Speculations about the pope’s resignation are causing a stir in Rome, but many Vatican experts consider them unfounded. Francis still has a lot planned and is also planning trips to Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan in July. He is also strongly committed to promoting peace negotiations in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
