Pope Francis ready to resign? Here are the clues

Is Pope Francis thinking of resigning, as Benedict XVI did in 2013 ?

The rumor has been taking hold for days, not only after the publication of an article in the Washington Post entitled: "Is Pope Francis nearing the end of his pontificate?", Or: "Is Pope Francis near the end of his pontificate ?", But also for a series of clues that for observers and some Vaticanists would suggest that Bergoglio is thinking of a step backwards .

Here they are.

THE MALANNI - After the delicate colon surgery in July 2021 Francesco had assured: "It never occurred to me to resign". Now, due to the knee problems that force him into a wheelchair, he would have joked: "Rather than operate again, I resign." Between the serious and the facetious, that of the ailments that increase with age remains a complication not just, given that precisely because of his state of health Francesco, born in 1936, had to give up, on the advice of doctors, trip to Africa is scheduled for early July and risks having to do the same with the official visits scheduled for the next few months.

THE CONSISTORY - The Consistory will take place on 27 August. And, on the occasion, Bergoglio will appoint 21 new cardinals (including Arrigo Miglio, bishop emeritus of Cagliari ), of which 16 under the age of 80. Cardinals who will participate in the next conclave. For some, a way chosen by the Pope to renew, with prelates "close" to him, the assembly called to elect his successor.

THE VISIT TO L'AQUILA - Also at the end of August, the pontiff will visit L'Aquila. A somewhat evocative city. Here, in fact, in the basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, Celestino V is buried, the pope "who made the great refusal", the first pontiff who renounced, in 1294, the leadership of the Holy Roman Church. And in 2009, right at the tomb of Celestine V, Benedict XVI went to pray, taking off the papal pallium on the occasion. And four years later he too chose to take a step back. A case?

VOICES ONLY? - Some, however, point out that the choice to renounce the pontificate would perhaps be too sensational, with the risk of an earthquake difficult for the Holy See to manage. Not only for the decision itself, but also because with the election of a new pontiff three popes would be alive, even if two "simply" emeritus. How much would be enough, however, to unleash chaos and perplexity among the faithful and in the eyes of the world.

Only rumors, then? Probably. Although there are also those who argue that after any resignation Francis could renounce the title of pope emeritus to return to being a "simple" priest or the like. Thus freeing the field from any hindrance.

(Unioneonline / lf)