Francisco, 85, has been in a wheelchair for almost a month and although he has maintained his intense activity, with strong calls for an end to the war in Ukraine and interventions in decisions of the Vatican structure, the specialized media agree that it would not be unlikely that he would follow in the footsteps of Benedict XVI and resign as pope.
A shock on this issue was the appointment of the Cardinal Matteo Zuppiwho came to that position during Francis’s pontificate, as president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, a position historically held by a conservative.
Zuppi was already among the candidates for the succession of the Pope who, if he resigned, would incur the innovation of giving the world’s Catholics two popes emeritus.
His profile, identifiable with that of Francis in dealing with the unprotected, is moderate and, according to experts, would simplify communication with the Roman Curia and the Italian bishops, still distant from the Argentine Supreme Pontiff.
Zuppi has been working to facilitate the integration of immigrants and even to treat homosexual Catholics more cordially, which would please the progressive wing.
Pietro Parolinthe current Secretary of State and who accompanies the Pope on ecclesiastical trips with a more political agenda, is another of those named as a candidate for succession.
Pietro Parolin
Although both would have the approval of Francis, the option that would have the full support of the Pope for his succession is that of the Philippine cardinal. Luis Taglewhich would represent the staging of the current pontificate to extend the borders of the Catholic Church to all corners of the world.
However, observers agree that the Conclave, made up of bishops under the age of 80, is not yet ready for such a sharp turn in the direction of the Church and the Vatican.
Luis Tagle
That could change if the Pope secures an absolute majority in the next Conclave. If it were to take place today, 110 cardinals would be eligible to vote, of whom 75 were appointed by Francis.
Last year, the Argentine pontiff did not appoint new electors and it is expected that he will do so this year. He would need to create eleven new cardinals, to reach the figure of 86.
To this is added that next year another eleven cardinals will turn 80, being excluded from the possibility of choosing the successor of Pope Francis.
Source: Ambito
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