On this Easter Sunday, only one question runs through the minds of the faithful: how is Pope Francis? The sovereign pontiff is expected in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, for the traditional blessing Urbi and orbi. But his health is in question, especially following hospitalization last week and a noticeable absence during the Stations of the Cross this Good Friday.
Towards a resignation?
So, a question is whispered in the Vatican: should the pope resign? Difficult to know if the idea is approached within the entourage of the sovereign, so much “the communication in the Vatican, whatever the pope, on the health of this one, is always at a minimum. And with Francis, have still took an additional layer of opacity”, explains to the microphone of Europe 1 Michel Kubler, priest in Rome.
“It’s impossible, I think, to say clearly how serious or not last week’s hospitalization was. But everyone is concerned. He could still, whatever he says now, give up at his charge as did his predecessor Benedict XVI”, he continues.
A pope determined to reform the Church
But this is not the first time that a pope has not celebrated mass, even at Easter, adds the Frenchman. “In the Vatican, it is not at all surprising that, during great celebrations, the pope is not at the altar to say mass from the top of the altar, but is seated in his seat and “he presides from the seat. And at that moment, it is a cardinal whom he has delegated to the altar. But it is all the same the pope who presides and in particular the one who preaches, who makes the homily”, notes Father Michel Kubler.
Pope Francis still seems determined to complete his reforms in the Church through what is called the Synod. A project that should be completed in the fall of 2024.