Because of his great devotion to the Virgin “Salus Populi Romani”, whose icon is in the basilica, he wanted to be buried there, said Francis in an exclusive interview with the Mexican broadcaster “N+”. He wanted to simplify the rite of the papal funeral. The pontiff, who celebrates his 87th birthday on Sunday, explained that “one must prepare for age and limitations.” That’s why he met with the master of ceremonies to simplify the ritual of papal funerals, reported the Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki, who conducted the interview with the Pope, on the online short message service X (Twitter).
Pope Francis stressed that despite the health problems that have plagued him this year, he never considered resigning. The resignation of his predecessor Benedict XVI. be positive, he will put an end to the pontificate when God decides. Francis added that he had “a very close relationship” with the late Benedict. Josef Ratzinger was “a great and humble man who, when he recognized his limitations, had the courage to say ‘Stop’.”
The Holy Father confirmed that he had received an invitation from Argentine President Javier Milei to visit Argentina. The newly elected Argentine president said during the election campaign that “the Pope has an affinity for murderous communists” and described him as a “representative of evil on earth.” “What is said in the election campaign is ignored,” the Pope said in the interview. The Holy See and Pope Francis have not yet responded to these allegations.
