Italy Cardinal dean denies speculation about Pope's resignation
Pope Francis has been in hospital for a week due to pneumonia - speculation about his resignation is once again doing the rounds.
21.02.2025, 15:06
SDA
However, the influential Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re rejects such rumors: "The Pope is recovering well, we should not invent things. There can be no question of resignation. He will be back in the Vatican in a few days," the Italian told the newspaper "La Repubblica".
The 91-year-old Re is the dean, i.e. the protocolary head, of the College of Cardinals. The most important task of the cardinal dean is to convene the cardinal electors for the conclave, i.e. the papal election, in Rome after the death or resignation of a pope during the so-called sedis vacante. He also organizes and leads the general congregations before the conclave, at which the cardinals from all over the world are supposed to get to know each other.
Speculation about the Pope's resignation reignited
Previously, speculation about a possible resignation of the Pope for health reasons had flared up again. Several cardinals stated that they thought such a move by Pope Francis was possible. Francis' German predecessor Benedict XVI resigned unexpectedly in 2013 and lived in seclusion in the Vatican until his death on New Year's Eve 2022.
The Argentinian-born Pope had always rejected such rumors in the past. These had already emerged during previous hospital stays due to operations and an earlier bout of pneumonia. Francis emphasized that the thought of resigning had never crossed his mind. However, according to his own statements, he left a signed letter of resignation - but only in the event that he was unable to act due to illness.
The faithful fear for Francis
The 88-year-old Francis has been receiving inpatient treatment in a hospital in Rome since Friday last week. There is great concern among the faithful. It is uncertain how long he will have to stay in hospital. In an interview with "La Repubblica", Re also rejected rumors about secret meetings between cardinals. "The dean has not held a meeting of cardinals," he said.
