POPE Francis uttered a cryptic comment a few weeks ago during a closed-door meeting with a foreign head of state that has revived speculation about the future of his pontificate.
Like many world leaders, the dignitary invited Francis to visit his country within the next two years.
The pope allegedly smiled and said, Why not? But if I accept, I don’t know who will come — Francis or John XXIV.
It was a subtle way of saying that, first of all, he’s not going to live forever. And, secondly, the commitments he makes today will be kept by his successor.
That means everything — from papal trips to substantive issues — will be the legacy of the next pope, whether his name is John XXIV, Pius XIII or John Paul III.
Migrants, attention to the poor and the environment have been put on the table by Francis. His successor will not be able to leave them off the table, said one informed observer.
In fact, the question of Francis’ possible retirement is one of the many rumors that’s been constantly whispered in Vatican corridors these past eight years.
Does Benedict XVI’s successor intend to resign one day?
La Crox International
