Pope Francis has recently addressed speculations regarding his potential resignation, stating that such a decision remains “a distant hypothesis” for him. Despite concerns about his health, the 87-year-old pontiff feels his current condition does not warrant stepping down. These revelations were made in excerpts from the upcoming book “Life – My Story in History,” which features an interview with Pope Francis and is set to be released in Italy on March 19.
In recent years, Pope Francis has shown signs of physical frailty, often using a wheelchair or a cane for mobility and experiencing health issues described as colds or bouts of bronchitis. These have occasionally limited his capacity to engage in public speaking. However, he reassured followers in the book, expressing gratitude for his “good health” and his eagerness to pursue numerous pending projects, contingent on God’s will.
The Pope mentioned that resigning would only be considered if he faced a “serious physical impediment.” This statement follows the historical resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who stepped down due to the challenges of old age, marking the first papal resignation in about 600 years. Benedict resigned in February 2013, at the age of 85, and lived almost a decade longer, passing away at 95.
Pope Francis’s comments in the new book aim to quell rumors and clarify his stance on the issue of resignation, highlighting his commitment to continuing his papal duties as long as his health permits.