Pope Francis signed his resignation in case an illness prevents him from governing, but he says his papacy is for life.
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The Pope Francis confirmed that he left his resignation letter signed in case his health prevents him from continuing to lead the Church. He did so in 2013, shortly after assuming the papacy.
What the letter says and what his stance is on leaving the position.
El Papa Francisco confirmó que dejó firmada su carta de renuncia
When and why Francis signed his resignation letter
Shortly after being elected Pope on March 13, 2013, Jorge Bergoglio made a key decision. He signed his resignation letter and handed it to the then Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. It is believed that his successor, Pietro Parolin, now has it.
"I already signed my resignation. At that time, the Secretary of State was Tarcisio Bertone. I signed it and said: 'If I were to suffer a disability for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation,'" Francis revealed in an interview.
Does Francis plan to resign in the short term?
Since he assumed office, rumors about a possible resignation of the Pope intensified every time he had health problems. However, he himself dismissed the idea on several occasions.
Francisco desestimó la idea en varias ocasiones
In February 2023, he insisted that he doesn't plan to step aside: "I believe the ministry of the Pope is ad vitam (for life)." He also warned that papal resignation can't become "a trend."
Pope Francis's health problems
At 88 years old, Francis faces several health complications. He moves around in a wheelchair due to knee and hip pain, and in 2023 he was hospitalized for double pneumonia. However, he continues to maintain an active schedule.
Gira del Papa Francisco: qué países visitará para reforzar el diálogo interreligioso.
In September 2024, he completed a tour of the Asia-Pacific, the most extensive of his pontificate. Despite his ailments, he assured: "You don't lead the Church with your knee, but with your head."
What Francis's life would be like if he resigned
The Pope made it clear that, in case of resignation, he would not be called "Pope Emeritus" like Benedict XVI nor would he wear a white cassock. He would not live in the Vatican nor return to Argentina. It is considered that he would be a simple "Emeritus Bishop of Rome" and would reside in a house for retired priests.
What Francis said about his resignation letter
Francis explained that his resignation letter is ready "in case I have any health problem that prevents me from exercising my ministry and I am not fully conscious to resign."
Francisco explicó que su carta de renuncia está lista por si tuviera algún problema de salud que le impida ejercer su cargo
However, he clarified that he doesn't plan to use it in the short term. "Resigning is a distant possibility that would only be justified in case of a serious physical impediment," he stated.
Will Francis remain at the head of the Church?
Despite rumors and his health problems, Francis remains firm in his position. His stance is clear: his ministry is for life and only a serious incapacity could trigger the resignation he signed more than a decade ago.
