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Pope Francis fuels resignation speculation

Published

4 years ago

June 21, 2022

A recently cancelled Africa trip and an unusual meeting of cardinals is raising concerns for the Pope’s health

The Pontiff has been using a wheelchair in recent weeks, and recently announced a consistory to name a series of new cardinals.

The extraordinary meeting will take place at the end of August, and could pave the way for electing the next Pope.

Such meetings involve the College of Cardinals and are traditionally called on by the Pope.

The 85-year-old also recently postponed a July trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

“At the request of his doctors, and in order not to jeopardise the results of the therapy that he is undergoing for his knee, the Holy Father has been forced to postpone, with regret, his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and to South Sudan, planned for 2 to 7 July, to a later date to be determined.”
MATTEO BRUNI FROM THE HOLY SEE OFFICE

The resignation of a Pope was once almost unthinkable until Benedict XVI resigned in 2013.

Pope Francis has previously told reporters that if his health impacted his duties, he would consider stepping down.

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Costa Haritos

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.