Survey: Public Opinion on Pope Francis’ Resignation

In an interview with the Spanish national daily newspaper ABC, Pope Francis revealed that he had already signed a resignation letter he wrote shortly after being elected pontiff in 2013 in the event medical problems impede him from carrying out his duties.

The Pope was asked what would happen if he was incapacitated by health issues or an accident, to which he responded,

“I have already signed my renunciation.”

At the beginning of his pontificate, he gave the then-Secretary of State, Cardinal Bertone, a resignation letter. It declares that he would resign from his position as Bishop of Rome and pastor of the universal Church if he suffered any serious and permanent health problems.

Pope Francis turned 86 this December 17, 2022– his 10th birthday as a pope. He spent most of the ten years of his pontificate in relatively good health until his colon surgery in 2021. Early this year, he shared that he also had knee problems but continued to conduct his papal duties.

Pope Francis has remained busy with his Papal duties despite several health issues.

Only a handful of popes have resigned in the Catholic Church’s history. Benedict XVI, Francis’ predecessor, was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415. In 2015, Francis said he had a feeling that his pontificate would be brief. In fact, at the start of his papacy, Francis said he would like to normalize the resignation of a pope.

Bishops of Rome have traditionally served until death throughout papal history. With Pope Francis’ resignation, Real Research launched a survey to know what the public has to say.

Hence, hurry and answer the survey that gathers public opinion on Pope Francis’ Resignation on the Real Research app from December 22, 2022. After that, you will receive 50 TNCs as a reward.