https://sputnikglobe.com/20230110/vatican-opposition-embarks-on-secret-plan-to-topple-pope-francis-report-1106188467.html
Vatican Opposition Embarks on 'Secret Plan' to Topple Pope Francis: Report
Vatican Opposition Embarks on 'Secret Plan' to Topple Pope Francis: Report
Sputnik International
Pope 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
2023-01-10T08:50+0000
2023-01-10T08:50+0000
2023-01-10T11:05+0000
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After the death of Pope Benedict XVI late last year, Vatican officials embarked on a plan to force incumbent Pope Francis to step down, an Italian media outlet has cited an unnamed Italian cardinal as saying. 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." The cleric referred to 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.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.
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the vatican's alleged plan to oust pope francis, the death of pope benedict xvi, pope francis' ailing health, the head of the catholic church
the vatican's alleged plan to oust pope francis, the death of pope benedict xvi, pope francis' ailing health, the head of the catholic church
Vatican Opposition Embarks on 'Secret Plan' to Topple Pope Francis: Report
08:50 GMT 10.01.2023 (Updated: 11:05 GMT 10.01.2023) Pope 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,
an Italian media outlet has cited an unnamed Italian cardinal as saying.
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." The cleric referred to 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.
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.
