VATICAN CITY — The world was taken by surprise back in 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, the first in 600 years. This significant decision left many speculating if his successor, Pope Francis, who has faced his own health challenges, might adopt the same path considering Benedict’s precedent.
Although Pope Francis did entertain the idea of resignation and even prepared a letter concerning it, his more recent statements have indicated a belief in serving as pope for the duration of his life. In alignment with this belief, he remained dedicated to his papal duties until his passing at the age of 88.
Benedict had expressed the notion that a pope should resign when no longer able to fulfill the responsibilities due to age or health concerns. Nonetheless, it was a moment of great surprise when he announced in Latin that his physical and mental strength had waned, and he could no longer continue his role.
His notable resignation paved the way for the election of Francis, marking the unique situation of two popes co-existing, with Benedict residing in a former monastery within the Vatican gardens up until his passing on December 31, 2022.
In a memoir titled “Life: My Story Through History,” set to release in 2024, Pope Francis recalls his astonishment upon hearing the news of Benedict’s resignation while he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
“For a moment, I was immobilized by disbelief,” Francis wrote. “The resignation of a pope was a notion that had seemed unimaginable in my lifetime, even though canon law did allow for it.”
However, he acknowledged Benedict’s decision stemmed from a period of meditation and prayer, eventually culminating in what Francis described as a “brave and historic decision.”
Over the decade they shared within the Vatican’s confines, with one as reigning pope and the other as ‘emeritus pope,’ Francis consistently lauded Benedict’s decision, noting his bravery and modesty, and suggesting that he had “opened the door” for future popes to consider resignation.
Following Benedict’s death, Pope Francis reconsidered the idea. While he confirmed possessing a prompt resignation letter should he become medically incapacitated, he warned of the potential problem if papal resignations became habitual or expected.
“Benedict had the courage to step down due to his health, but for me, it’s not on my current agenda,” Francis disclosed in private conversations with the Jesuit community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2023, as reported by the Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica.
“I maintain that the role of the pope is ad vitam, or for life. I see no reason why this should not continue. The lifelong commitment is a tradition among the prominent patriarchs, and historical tradition holds weight.”
Contributions came from an informant based in Warsaw, Poland.