Pope Francis Denies Resignation Amid Health Concerns

Vatican City: Pope Francis is “absolutely not” quitting due to health issues, according to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Parolin addressed speculations during an event on Ramadan, clarifying that the 88-year-old pontiff has no intentions of stepping down despite his recent health challenges.

According to Ansa News Agency, rumors have circulated regarding Pope Francis’s potential resignation, akin to his predecessor Benedict XVI, as he spent over four weeks in Rome’s Policlinico Agostino Gemelli Hospital battling double pneumonia. The Pope, who was in critical condition until recently, is now slowly recovering. Despite his health struggles, Cardinal Parolin conveyed that Pope Francis had prepared a letter of resignation shortly after his election in March 2013, meant for use if he ever felt unfit to fulfill his papal duties.

Parolin reported his last interaction with Pope Francis took place last week at the hospital. He emphasized the importance of relying on official medical bulletins to understand the Pope’s health status. During their meeting, Parolin observed that the Pope appeared better than before, though he highlighted that his assessment was only superficial. Discussions with the Pope remain limited, with Parolin and others presenting various situations for the pontiff’s attention. When asked directly about the possibility of the Pope’s resignation, Parolin responded firmly with “absolutely not.”