Pope Francis’s surgery adds urgency to questions about the remaining years of his papacy

However Melloni, talking typically, mentioned that in an period when papal resignations are in play, popes may not wish to wait till the very finish to step apart. If a pope’s situation is simply too deteriorated, his choice may not be accepted below the one requirement of canon regulation: that the selection be reached freely. And as soon as a pope is actually weakened, Melloni mentioned, the Vatican forms will wish to hold a pontiff in place, as these within the Roman Curia can capitalize on the ability vacuum.