Bishop Glettler: Pope Francis could resign soon!

Bishop Glettler: Pope Francis could resign soon!

Innsbruck's diocesan bishop Hermann Glettler brought the possibility of a dismissal of Pope Francis due to his health. Glettler expresses that the Pope does not stick to his office and is reminiscent of the historical step of Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in February 2013. "Francis certainly still has goals, especially the promotion of authentic synodality in the church," says Glettler, who is optimistic about the future of the synodal process until 2028. Despite the health challenges of the 88-year-old Pope, he sees no standstill in the Roman Catholic Church.

Currently Pope Francis is hospitalized for a respiratory infection in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome. According to the last report that was issued on Thursday evening, his health has not changed in the past 24 hours. The Pope is non-invasively mechanically ventilated at night and receives an oxygen supply from nasal cannulas during the day. Despite its health difficulties, the Pontifex celebrated its 12th anniversary of the pontificate in the clinic, where the childcare staff presented him with a cake and he received numerous greeting cards from school children. The next medical bulletin is expected for Friday evening.

archbishop's succession and the future of the church

Glettler, who is in discussion as a possible successor to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, emphasized that he likes to be available for this position, but also hopes that another candidate will be appointed. He is concerned about the continued uncertainty regarding the successor and hopes for a decision until summer. In this context, he expressed that it was unprofessional that the question of successor remains unanswered for so long. Glettler assumes that the new archbishop will not become cardinal at the same time.

His main concern are the challenges that the Catholic Church in Austria and Europe faces. Glettler sees the falling number of members and the dwindling relevance of the church. In these uncertain times, however, he feels a growing interest in spirituality. "People need human relationships and solidarity networks," he emphasizes, demanding a spiritual renewal of the church, which should deal more strongly with people.

social challenges and reforms

In the debate about celibacy, Glettler is open to a reform and speaks for married priests. He also emphasizes the concern to allow women to diaconate to diaconate. In addition, he warns not to make any general judgments in the migration debate and warns of an exaggerated fear of Islamization in Europe. "I have more concerns about empty churches than full mosques," emphasizes the bishop.

Glettler's statements about the current situation of the church and the reform efforts are part of an ongoing discussion within the Roman Catholic Church, which is characterized by the challenges of a changing social environment. Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation about Pope Francis and the future management of the church will develop. The Pope's unusual state of health throws a shadow on the upcoming decisions.