Pope Francis on resignation: It is a possibility, but I am not thinking about it right now

Participating in a program on a private Italian television channel, the Pope answered questions regarding himself and world affairs.

The 87-year-old Pope Francis, who experienced some health issues last year and announced during a program last week that he was not feeling well, responded to a question about how he was doing by saying, "I am still alive."

"I AM NOT THINKING ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW"

When asked if he was considering resigning, Pope Francis said, "It is not a thought, a worry, or a desire; it is a possibility open to all popes. However, it is not at the center of my thoughts right now. I will continue as long as I can serve." The Pope also noted that he would have to consider it if circumstances were to change.

ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE

In the program, the Pope also stated that he speaks with the Catholic community in Gaza every day, saying, "I call them every day and they tell me terrible things about what is happening; they tell me how many Arabs have died and how many Israelis have died, and that two peoples called to be brothers are destroying each other."

Expressing his belief that wars have never ceased since the end of the Second World War, the Pope said, "Now we see Ukraine-Russia and Palestine-Israel. Why can peace not be achieved? Let us say it with a bit of shame, there is the arms trade behind the wars."

When asked if there was anything that frightened him, the Pope replied, "A few things frighten me. For example, the escalation of this war frightens me because the progression of war steps makes one think. Where will we end up? Will we end up with nuclear weapons that destroy everything? The capacity of humanity to destroy itself frightens me."

Pope Francis, who is originally from Argentina, said he has not been to his home country since he was elected pope in 2013 and that he misses it. Expressing that the Argentine people are suffering greatly and that he is worried for them, the Pope stated that they are planning to go to Polynesia in August and that he might be able to make a trip to Argentina afterward.

News Source: AA