Pope Francis has made clear in comments published Thursday by a Jesuit journal that he believes being pope is a lifetime position and that Pope Benedict XVI's resignation was an exception.
“I for the moment do not have that on my agenda,” Francis told Civita Cattolica, in the clearest statement he has made on the issue.“I did it in case I had some health problem that would prevent me from exercising my ministry and I am not fully conscious and able to resign,” the pope told Civita Cattolica. “However, this does not at all mean that resigning popes should become, let’s say, a ‘fashion,’ a normal thing.
He added that a papal ministry should be “ad vitam” — for life — adding “I see no reason why it should not be so.”In previous remarks, Francis has hailed the decision of his predecessor, Pope Benedict, to resign because he felt due to advancing age he wouldn’t be best able to carry out his duties. Benedict died in January, nearly a decade after he resigned the papacy.
Francis, 86, had surgery in 2021 to repair a bowel narrowing and has been hobbled by knee pain that for months saw him use a wheelchair.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
D.C.-area forecast: Spring-like warmth continues before brief cold snap Friday into SaturdayOccasional scattered showers are likely Thursday into Thursday night with a few gusty storms possible.
Read more »
2023 city elections: Francis Saitta running for Tucson mayorThis year’s primary election takes place Aug. 1, followed by the general election Nov. 7. Tucson’s voters will elect a mayor and three City Council members.
Read more »
Popes are for life, resignations should not become a fashion, Francis saysPope Francis has said that pontiffs resigning instead of ruling for life should not become a 'fashion' in the Roman Catholic Church and happen only in truly exceptional circumstances.
Read more »
DJ Hanzel Goes In on His Nemesis Dillon Francis: ‘I Hate You’.DjHanzel (who is definitely not DillonFrancis) shares why Francis' last album made him sick.
Read more »
Bankman-Fried banned from using VPN, bail arguments set for ThursdayA judge prohibited Sam Bankman-Fried from using a VPN in a new court order.
Read more »