Pope Francis on Tuesday discussed
what he might do if he were to abdicate like his predecessor
Benedict XVI did.
In an interview with Mexican-American TV channel
TelevisaUnivision, Francis said he would devote his time to
confessing the faithful, practising charity and visiting the
sick in an Italian parish.
"If I survive after my resignation I'd like to do something like
that: confess people and go and see the sick," he said.
The pontiff, who recently said it was OK for popes to quit if
they were no longer up to the job, sparking speculation
surrounding his health amid knee problems that have forced him
to use a wheelchair, voiced "great sympathy" for the choice of
Benedict who resigned in February 2013 citing ill health and
failing strength, and who lives a life of prayer, study and
writing at the age of 95.
If and when he ever retires, Francis said he would not return to
his native Argentina not stay in the Vatican but instead try to
find a Rome church to work in, and be known as "emeritus bishop
of Rome" unlike Benedict who is "pope emeritus".
Francis, 85, recently denied to Reuters that he has cancer or
that he plans to quit any time soon.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
