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Pope Francis spoke to Argentina’s national news agency Télam in a lengthy interview. The questions and discussion were conducted in Pope Francis’ native language, Spanish.
The pope fielded questions on a variety of topics, including climate change, the pandemic, poverty and his own decade of pontificate.
At one point in the interview, Pope Francis was asked about the durability and longevity of “multilateral organizations” – and whether they can affect peace. In particular, the Pope spoke about the role of the United Nations and dismissed the organization as powerless.
“After World War II, there was a vote of confidence in the UN. I don’t intend to offend anyone, I know there are many good people working there, but at this moment the UN does not have the power to assert its authority,” the Pope said.
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Pope Francis arrives to attend a ceremony at the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace in Nicosia, Cyprus, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pope Francis said he did not mean to point fingers or offend anyone with the observation – and that the UN can sometimes offer significant help – but ultimately the UN Charter does not allow it to be of much use.
He continued: “It really helps prevent wars and I think of Cyprus where Argentine troops cooperate. But to stop a war, to resolve a conflict like the one we’re seeing in Europe right now, or like others around the world, it has no power. I don’t mean to offend. It’s just that its constitution doesn’t give the organization that kind of power.”
The English translation of the interview was provided by the Vatican’s official press.
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Pope Francis delivers his homily during Mass for the celebration of the Epiphany at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2022 in the Vatican, Vatican City. (AlVatican Pool/Getty Images)
Last month, Pope Francisc put to bed all rumors of an impending resignation from the papacy.
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In a meeting with over a dozen Catholic bishops visiting the Vatican from Brazil, Pope Francis discussed his health and plans for the future of his administration. The pope told visiting Archbishop Roque Paloschi that stepping down from the Holy See “doesn’t cross his mind,” according to the Portuguese edition of The official news service of the Vatican.
However, the pope is not pretending to be in good health, reportedly telling bishops that he faces many challenges but that he wants to live the life God has given him to the end.
Timothy Nerosi is a writer for Fox News Digital. You can follow him on Twitter @timothynerozzi and email him at timothy.nerozzi@fox.com
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