“All of this seems to me to be unfounded speculation. Right now, our focus is on the Holy Father’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican–these are the only things that matter.” With these words, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, in an interview with Corriere della Sera, responds to reports in recent days discussing the possibility of Pope Francis’ resignation. The Holy Father has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital since Friday, 14 February for a respiratory tract infection.
When asked about the atmosphere in light of the spread of false news and speculation surrounding the Vatican, the Cardinal replies, “Honestly, I am not aware of such manoeuvres, and in any case, I try to stay out of them. On the other hand, I think it is quite normal in these situations for unverified rumours to circulate or for misplaced comments to be made–this is certainly not the first time. However, I do not believe there is any particular movement in this regard, and so far, I have not heard anything of the sort.”
Spanish bishops speak out after leaks of their meeting with Leo XIV
The executive committee of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, (CEE, by its Spanish acronym) meeting in Madrid this week, issued an official statement regarding the leaks
