Pope Francis speaks about his death: ‘I prepared my grave’

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And suddenly the Pope speaks about his death: In an interview broadcast on Mexican TV on Tuesday evening (local time), Pope Francis (86) spoke about his death. The head of the Catholic Church said he had already made arrangements for a funeral at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Francis has visited the largest Marian church in the Italian capital more than 100 times. “I always spent Sunday mornings there, there is a very strong bond,” he explained.

Francis, real name Jorge Mario Bergoglio, will be 87 years old on December 17. He explained to journalist Valentina Alazraki (68) that “you have to prepare yourself when the age and the limits come. For this reason, he has already met with the master of ceremonies “to facilitate the papal funeral.”

Concerns about Pope Francis’ health

Francis was also asked whether he was considering resigning given his continued poor health. A clear rejection followed. «I have the courage of Benedict XVI. “I saw him who preferred to say basta when he realized that his strength was at an end,” Francis began his answer. He, in turn, “asks the Lord to say this is it at some point, but when He wills it.” The Pope also praised his predecessor as a “great and humble man.”

Asked if there was any reason to worry about his health, the Pope replied: “Yes, a little. I need your prayers for my health.” His travel plans are currently being reconsidered.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized several times

In the conversation, Francis confirmed that he had received an invitation from the new Argentine President Javier Milei (53). Milei had recently accused the pope of “an affinity with murderous communists” and described him as a “representative of evil on earth.” The Vatican did not respond further to the accusations and Francis dismissed Milei’s statements as campaign talk. According to the Pope’s own statements, further trips to Belgium and Polynesia will take him in the coming year. Then, he added, he would slow down.

Recently, Francis, who has repeatedly campaigned for climate protection, had to cancel his trip to the COP28 world climate conference in Dubai due to a flu illness. He underwent abdominal surgery in June and had previously been hospitalized with bronchitis in April. (no)

Source: Blick