Video

Vatican Opposition Embarks on ‘Secret Plan’ to Topple Pope Francis: Report

Pope Francis looks on during the weekly general audience on January 4, 2023 at Paul-VI hall in The VaticanPope Francis looks on during the weekly general audience on January 4, 2023 at Paul-VI hall in The Vatican - Sputnik International, 1920, 10.01.2023InternationalIndiaAfricaOleg BurunovPope Francis, who became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, grabbed global headlines last year over his straightforward remarks about abortion, divorce and homosexuality, among other topics. After the death of Pope Benedict XVI late last year, Vatican officials embarked on a plan to force incumbent Pope Francis to step down, Italian press reported on Sunday, citing an unnamed Italian cardinal.

The cleric claimed that "the secret plan will be formulated on various axes and phases, but it will have one objective – to place the pontificate under such stress that Francis will have to resign."

At the same time, the cardinal added that the opponents of Francis “know that right now they are in a minority, [and] that they will need time both to win consensus and to weaken Bergoglio.” [Pope Francis’ name before he took on the position of head of the Catholic Church in March 2013].According to the cardinal, some of the alleged “plotters” will operate “in the shadows”, while others will be more open in their criticism of the sitting Pontiff, who is known for his criticism of capitalism and open attitude toward issues such as abortion, homosexuality, communion for remarried divorcees and rethinking celibacy for priests.A purported campaign to topple Francis will also reportedly focus on Francis’ ailing health. The 86-year-old has had several surgeries over the past year, and he used a wheelchair in public for the first time in May 2022.The Pontiff’s predecessor Benedict XVI, who resigned in February 2013, citing his venerable old age, passed away on December 31, at 95.© AFP 2022 / ALBERTO PIZZOLIPope Emeritus Benedict XVI (C) is helped by the prefect of the papal household Georg Gaenswein (R) to pass the “Holy Door” as Pope Francis (L) looks on, on December 8, 2015 in Vatican.Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (C) is helped by the prefect of the papal household Georg Gaenswein (R) to pass the Holy Door as Pope Francis (L) looks on, on December 8, 2015 in Vatican. - Sputnik International, 1920, 10.01.2023Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (C) is helped by the prefect of the papal household Georg Gaenswein (R) to pass the “Holy Door” as Pope Francis (L) looks on, on December 8, 2015 in Vatican.In the meantime, some reports speculated on the issue, alleging that the “plotters” did not want to move against Francis while Benedict was still alive – in order to avoid the unprecedented situation of having two retired living popes.

Source

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button