Posted on 12/19/2022 6:25:42 PM PST by marshmallow
ROME (AP) β Pope Francis has revealed in an interview published Sunday that shortly after being elected pontiff in 2013 he wrote a resignation letter in case medical problems impede him from carrying out his duties.
Speaking to the Spanish newspaper ABC, Francis said he gave the note to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who then was the Vatican secretary of state. The pontiff added that he presumes that the prelate currently in that Vatican No. 2 role, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, now has the written instruction.
Francis, who turned 86 on Saturday, had surgery in 2021 to repair a bowel narrowing and has been hobbled by knee pain that for months saw him use a wheelchair. Lately, he has increasingly used a cane instead of the wheelchair to get around in public.
Asked what happens if health issues or an accident suddenly leaves a pope unable to do his job, and whether there should be a rule for such instances, Francis replied, βIn practice there is already a rule.β
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
I gave up on the Catholic church a couple of years ago. And I was there from the first communion; before I was old enough to think for myself.
If you were truly Catholic you would have capitalized Church, First, and Communion.
Come back and help save it.
ANTI-pope. Has never been the pope, never will be.
He is just playing it safe in case he dissolves into a smoking puddle of asphalt and sulfur.
They ought to pull out the letter and call him on it. He’s definitely incapacitated, both mentally and spiritually.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.