Pope Francis signed a resignation letter in 2013 in case he was forced to withdraw from his duties due to poor health.
“I have signed the resignation. Tarcisio Bertone is Secretary of State. I signed it and told him: ‘If it is for medical reasons or other reasons, this is It was my resignation. ‘The report of the New York Post at the time.
The interview that resurfaced was due to Francis who was hospitalized for more than a week and was reportedly in critical condition after suffering an asthma respiratory crisis on Saturday, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Vatican says Pope Francis rests in hospital after respiratory crisis
Pope Francis speaks to the weekly general audience held on February 12, 2025 at Paul VI Hall in Vatican City. (Vatican media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
According to a Reuters report, Francis also received a blood transfusion after testing showed he had a low platelet count.
Francis turned 88 in December and has long been about what he would do if health problems prevent him from performing his duties. Before 2013, Benedict XVI resigned, making the first pope resignation in more than 600 years, which would be unheard of.
Francis revealed in an interview in 2022 that he resigned to Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, the reservation of Benedict XVI, about March 2013 Six months after being elected as Pope.
Pope Francis held his manner during the weekly general audience on February 12, 2025 at Paul VI Hall in the Vatican City. (Reuters/ciro de luca/archive photo)
Pope Francis shares written news as he continues to be hospitalized
Francis said at the time: “You have. I don’t know who Cardinal Beto might have given it, but when he was Secretary of State, I gave it to him.”
While Francis continued to be hospitalized in Rome on Sunday, he shared a message thanking those who prayed in the struggle for health.
“I have received a lot of emotional messages lately and I am particularly shocked by the letters and drawings of my children,” Pope Francis posted on Sunday X. “Thank you for your intimacy and the comfort prayers I have received from all over the world!”
Pope Francis greets people on January 10, 2024 in the weekly general audience in the Vatican City. (Vatican media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
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Another post says: “I urge you to continue your apostle with joy and be a symbol of love for your lover as suggested by #gospeloftheday.” “May we turn evil into goodness and build a brotherly world. Don’t be afraid to take risks For love!”
