Pope Francis: Retirement Isn't Off the Table

JUL 24 2022·Updated AUG 1 2022

Story

Image credit: AP [via NY Post]

The Facts

After the conclusion of a six-day trip to Canada, Pope Francis said that, although he intends to continue his duties for the moment, he would consider stepping down if his health continues to deteriorate.
BBC News
His visit to Canada saw him apologize to Indigenous communities over the Catholic Church's involvement in Canadian residential schools where pupils were abused and forcibly assimilated into Western culture.
ITN
Concerns of his resignation began when the Pope suffered a knee injury earlier this year that forced him to cancel a scheduled trip to the DRC and South Sudan.
Sky News
The 85-year-old Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, began his papacy in March 2013. Francis succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down at the age of 85 - the first pope to do so since 1415.
New York Post
When asked about retirement, Francis said that he hadn't considered the possibility but that doesn't meant he won't begin to think about it in the near future. He said "stepping aside would not be a catastrophe. You can change Popes, no problem."
The Tablet
Despite his health issues, the Pope still hopes to reschedule a planned trip to Africa and visit Kyiv, Ukraine.
guardian

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Although, traditionally, religious leaders die in office, the modern world has transformed the papacy. Technological advances - such as social media and the ability to travel worldwide - have created a more dynamic and burdensome role, while medical advancements, which extend life, mean good health in old age isn't able to keep up.

The Conversation

Narrative B

Despite the Pope's physical limitations, he is mentally fit and able to fulfill the most important duties of the papacy. While he's expressed openness to resigning, he hasn't yet made any announcement, and likely won't for some time.