Speculation is swirling throughout Rome and beyond that Pope Francis is planning to resign at some point in the near future.
The principle reason for this is the Pope’s ailing health. The Holy Father is now seen in public for the most part in a wheelchair.
The official reason for his immobility is his need to rest an inflamed ligament in his knee which is causing him chronic pain and makes it difficult for him to walk.
But unsubstantiated rumours are widespread that Francis, who in July last year underwent surgery to have a left section of his colon removed, is in fact suffering from cancer. Such rumours have not been confirmed by the Vatican.
