In case of unable condition to continue governing the Catholic Church due to an impediment to his health, the Holy Father assured that he has already signed his resignation and has handed it over to one of the Vatican cardinals.
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC, published on Sunday, the Holy Father responded to the question of what would happen “if a pontiff is suddenly disabled due to health problems or an accident.”
“I have already signed my resignation. Tarcisio Bertone was the Secretary of State,” said Pope Francis, who turned 86 this Saturday.
“I signed it and told him: ‘In case of impediment due to medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation. They already have it’. I don’t know who Cardinal Bertone gave it to, but I gave it to him when he was Secretary of State”, indicated the Pope.
Cardinal Bertone was appointed Secretary of State by Benedict XVI in 2006 and continued in office until 31 August 2013, during the pontificate of Pope Francis.
When asked if he wants this to become known, Francisco said that “that’s why I say it.” “Now someone will go and ask Bertone for it: ‘Give me the piece of paper!’ (laughs). He surely handed it over to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the new Secretary of State. I gave it to Bertone as Secretary of State ”, he affirmed.
During the interview, Francisco indicated that he has not touched “at all” a statute that specifies the definition of ” Pope emeritus.” “I didn’t even have the idea to do it. It will be that the Holy Spirit has no interest in me dealing with these things, ”Pope Francis said.