Pope Francis again denied that he has plans to resign, saying that at this moment he does not feel that it is what God is calling him to.
In an interview with Televisa-Univision conducted in Spanish, the Pope discussed the “great” example left behind by Benedict XVI's resignation, but added that the role of a pope emeritus will be made more explicit should another pope choose to step down from the seat of St. Peter.
For his part, Pope Francis said that if were to eventually resign he would become the bishop emeritus of Rome and would not live in the Vatican. When asked about moving into the former papal residence at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, he said it was a possibility.
He added that he would still like to hear confessions and visit the sick, just as he had planned for his retirement in Argentina before he became pope.
Pope Francis also discussed the war in Europe, saying that he would not visit Ukraine without first traveling to Russia. And on Catholic politicians who support access to abortions, he said they should speak to their pastor about the inconsistency.
The Pope also shared details from his personal life, saying that he wakes up between 4 and 4:30 each morning to pray, and that he confesses to a Franciscan priest once every fifteen days.
JM
