back on his feet, the pope casts doubt on his future

The approach is hesitant, but the pope wanted to show himself standing with the faithful, hugging a mother who has just lost her daughter. With a clear message: “I’m still alive”. Reassuring images and a sequence that contrasts with Wednesday’s hearing, where he seemed exhausted. It was a few hours before his hospitalization. But his state of health has been worrying for several months. So, can this latest warning push François to give up? Yes, if most of his statements are to be believed.

Not ready to go

Last January, the pope even imagined his life after outside the Vatican: “I was asked ‘what would you do if you give up?’ Well I will be the Archbishop Emeritus of Rome. So I will go to the house of the clergy of Rome”. But more recently, during his trip to Africa, he seemed to have changed his mind. According to Vatican specialists, in Francis’ mind, giving up is not on the agenda. If, however, his forces were to fail him and he decided to give up like his predecessor, then, as in 2013, a conclave would have to be convened within 30 days for the cardinals to elect, behind closed doors, the new head of the Church.