Pope Francisco.
Photo: REUTERS
Pope Francis, in an interview with journalists, said that he signed the abdication in case of a significant deterioration in health or any unforeseen circumstances.
“I have already signed the document of my abdication,” said the pontiff, explaining that the Vatican Secretary of State, to whom the document was delivered, was Tarciso Bertone at the time.
Pope Francis said his resignation will take effect if, for medical reasons or for any other reason, he is unable to fulfill his obligations to the church and believers.
The pontiff’s knee problems have already led to the fact that he was forced to reduce the number of trips abroad, and photos have appeared on the web showing the pope in a wheelchair.
According to Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 86, known since 2013 under the name of Pope Francis, the doctors are ready to perform the necessary operation, but the head of the Catholic Church categorically disagrees with her about the need to apply anesthesia.
The pontiff also spoke about the main advice that he is willing to give his successor.
I would tell him not to make the same mistakes I did. And nothing more, said the Pope.
