(Este artículo también se encuentra en español)
As Pope Francis approaches nearly a decade at the helm of the Catholic Church, he remains convinced of the idea of ending his papacy with a resignation, following in the footsteps of Benedict XVI, rather than continuing until his final days as tradition dictates.
At 86 years old, Pope Francis is a year older than Joseph Ratzinger was when he announced his resignation.
Back in November 2019, I boldly stated on AhoraRoma.com that Pope Francis would never return to Argentina, amidst constant speculation in the media of his native country about an imminent visit by the Supreme Pontiff.
Today, I reaffirm that idea and dare to suggest that with the physical passing of Benedict XVI, the doors to resignation swing wide open for Francis. He no longer has to deal with the problem of having three popes, something that would have been unprecedented and inconceivable in Christian tradition.
Since the beginning of his papacy, Francis has hinted that he would resign when he no longer had the strength.
Unlike his predecessor, who faced waning popularity, the only reason resignation tempts Francis is his health. Constant problems with his knee, which have forced him to move around in a wheelchair recently, have diminished the vitality of a Pope known for his vigor, surprise visits to Roman shops, hospitals, public appearances, endless audiences in St. Peter’s Square, and conversations with thousands of people.
In a 2018 interview published by El País, he was asked if he would witness the conclave that would elect his successor. “I don’t know,” he began his response.
“WHEN I FEEL THAT I CAN’T GO ON ANYMORE, MY GREAT TEACHER BENEDICT SHOWED ME HOW TO DO IT.”
“And if God takes me before, I’ll watch from the other side. I hope not from hell… But let it be a Catholic conclave,” he concluded at that time.
Is Francis ready to become (now, the only) Pope Emeritus and bless a new and vital leader of the Holy See? The transition has officially begun.
