Is Pope Francis resigning?

Is Pope Francis resigning?Pope Francis spoke out on Monday about rumours of his resignation that erupted after a cancelled trip to Africa and a fracture in his knee

by Agence France-Presse

04-07-2022 17:56

in Christian Connect

Pope Francis blesses attendees during an audience to the Neocatecumenal Way Communities on 27 June, 2022 at Paul-VI hall in The Vatican. Photo: Andreas SOLARO / AFP

Pope Francis has rebuffed suggestions he may be readying to resign, saying in an interview published Monday that rumours he was suffering from a serious illness were court gossip .

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It never crossed my mind ,

Francis told Reuters news agency after weeks of speculation. Pressed on whether he might emulate his predecessor Benedict XVI, who was the first pope since the middle ages to resign, the Argentine said for the moment, no. For the moment, no. Really!

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POPE FRANCIS DENIES RESIGNATION RUMOURS But in the interview, which took place Saturday at the Vatican, he repeated his often-stated position that he might resign someday if failing health made it impossible for him to run the Church.

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We don't know. God will say.

Asked when that might be, the 85-year old said: Francis said he had suffered a small fracture in his knee, which was treated with laser and magnet therapy.

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A POSTPONED TRIP TO AFRICA The knee pain forced him to indefinitely postpone a July trip to Africa.

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He denied rumours that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer during his colon operation in July 2021, saying it was merely court gossip .

Francis will travel to Canada this month, after which he said he would like to travel to Moscow and Kyiv if possible.

The pontiff has repeatedly offered to help mediate in the war, saying he was hopeful for an invitation to visit Russian President Vladimir Putin following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.

Agence France-Presse

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