Never before has a Pope’s visit fueled so many rumors of his abdication due to ill health. But it is not easy for Benedict to leave his flock.
Pope Francis visited L’Aquila in the morning, on the occasion of the traditional Feast of Forgiveness (Festa della Perdonanza). He expressed his solidarity with the families who lived through the terrible ordeal of the earthquake thirteen years ago and asked for everyone’s maximum effort to rebuild. Francis moved to the capital of the Aborutso region in a wheelchair, due to the severe pain in his knee that has been bothering him for the last few months.
Today’s choice of the Pontiff, however, has a special meaning: this celebration, with forgiveness of sins for the faithful, without a pardon, was established in 1294 by Pope Celestino the 5th. Who then, after some time, made a move of historical importance: he resigned as Pontiff wanting to return to a quiet life, without pressure. Since then he has been honored as a saint in the Catholic Church. “Celestino V was a courageous witness of the Gospel,” Pope Francis said after Mass in front of the magnificent facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, where Pope Celestino is buried. “He would not allow himself to be captured and ruled by the logic of power. We admire in him a Church that is free from worldly logic and is ready to give full witness to the mercy of God”.
Difficulties
According to many analysts, Francis’ decision to go to L’Aquila today should not be considered a coincidence. He is 85 years old, has health problems and has repeatedly stated that if he is unable to meet his obligations, he may choose to resign. At the same time, conflicts continue to be ongoing inside the Vatican regarding the entire financial management, the selection of new bishops, but also the general, more “open” approach of Pope Bergoglio to issues such as the relations between the powerful and weaker countries, immigration and gay rights.
The Argentine Pope, of course, has taken care to renew, to a large extent, the composition of the Conclave, in the hope of ensuring that his successor will continue his work, that is, that it will be of a progressive direction. But there is an additional issue: as you know, the previous Pope Benedict resigned in 2013 and has turned ninety-five. As it leaks from the Vatican, as long as his predecessor is alive, it is almost impossible for Francis to leave the papal throne. It would be a huge symbolic and substantive change, which the Roman Catholic Church could hardly withstand.
Theodoros Andreadis Syngellakis, Rome
Source: Deutsche Welle
Source: Capital
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