Pope Francis could have his influence curtailed under proposed reforms to what a retired pope could look like.
Pope Francis has, of course, done little to downplay rumours of a looming departure, recently telling reporters he can no longer travel like he once did, and one day may have to quit. Pope Francis repeated a phrase - “the door is open” – adding that there was nothing wrong with a pope stepping down.
Meanwhile, through his resignation, Benedict XVI not only set a precedent for the resignation of later pontiffs but an example of what a retired pope would look like, even if the role needs better definition. Whether intentionally or not, Benedict has also been a lodestar for traditionalists.
