Cardinal Parolin has spoken out about the Pope's possible resignation. On the sidelines of an event, he was asked if he had discussed resignation with Pope Francis during any of his visits to Gemelli. The Holy See's deputy was emphatic: "Absolutely not".
In addition to Parolin, many cardinals have spoken about this when questioned by the media, especially during the Pope's first two weeks in the hospital. The answers are consistent: only Pope Francis knows that.
One of the cardinals closest to the Pope, the Prefect of the Doctrine of the Faith, stated to Argentinian newspaper La Nación that he did not see a pre-conclave atmosphere and added:
It's not worth it for some groups to pressure for a resignation. They've done so several times in recent years, and that can only be a "completely free" decision of the Holy Father, even if it's valid.
Cardinals Omella and Aveline also spoke at a press conference on February 20. The Cardinals were asked about this issue. This is what the Archbishop of Barcelona had to say.
CARD. JUAN JOSÉ OMELLA
Archbishop of Barcelona
I have no vocation as a prophet or a fortune teller. In the Church, everything is foreseen. Death, of course, and resignation are also contemplated in canon law, and, in fact, we already have experience with Pope Benedict XVI. Now, what will Pope Francis do? Well, as Cardinal Aveline said, he knows nothing, and neither do I.
The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, was also clear on February 21 in his statements to the Italian media outlet 'La Repubblica'.
The Pope is recovering well, let's not make things up. There's no need to talk about resignation; he will be back in the Vatican in a few days.
It is a return to the Vatican that is taking longer than initially anticipated. Doctors have been cautious, emphasizing, moreover, that the Pope's recovery is slow.
Therefore, it remains to be seen how he will return to the Vatican. This is what Cardinal Ravasi explained to Italian radio station RTL. Regarding his resignation, he said he believes it will depend on how his return to Santa Marta goes.
There is no doubt that if he were to find himself in a situation in which his ability to have direct contact, as he likes to do, to be able to communicate immediately, incisively, and decisively, is compromised, then I think he could decide to resign.
In any case, and although Vatican regulations contemplate it, it is a decision that falls exclusively to the Pope. But, for the moment, Pope Francis has given no indication of wanting to do so.
CA
TR: GS
