The pope has fueled speculation that he wants to resign instead of dying in office, announcing a visit to the tomb of a 13th-century pontiff who hated work and retired five months later.
Francis will travel to L’Aquila in central Italy on August 28 to pay tribute to Pope Celestine V, who issued a decree in 1294 allowing the popes to resign and then used the rule to leave the next day.
His decision is believed to have given legal grounds for the predecessor of Francis Benedict XVI to retire in 2013 due to deteriorating health, becoming the first pope to do so in six centuries.
Last month, Francis nominated 21 new cardinals, most of whom, under the age of 80, could choose his successor.
ALESSANDRA BENEDETTI / CORBIS / GETTY IMAGES
Francis praised Benedict’s decision as “opening the door” for future popes who want to resign
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