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Catholics Should Brace for Another Papal Conclave as Pope Francis Does Not Rule Out Retirement Over Belief He Has 2-3 More Years to Live


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REUTERS/Tony Gentile
Pope Francis waves as he leads his Sunday Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican July 13, 2014. Pope Francis on Sunday called for a stop in the flare-up of hostility between Palestinians and Israelis, urging leaders to listen to the call of the people who want peace.
The former cardinal of Buenos Aires told media on the plane back to the Vatican from South Korea that he is not discounting the possibility that he could retire out of the belief that maybe he has two to three more years of his life. Pope Francis is 77 years old.
Besides giving rise to the possibility that there would be three living popes - Pope Benedict, Pope Francis and his successor - the scenario that the pontiff created could present a problem for the Vatican's next pope because of the rock star status of Pope Francis. It appears to be the same challenge that the former German Cardinal Josef Ratzinger faced when he took over the red shoes of the immensely popular and charismatic Pope John Paul II.
"I see it as the generosity of the people of God. I try to think of my sins, my mistakes, not to become proud. Because I know it will last only a short time. Two or three years and then I'll be off to the Father's House," caobserver.com quoted Pope Francis.
He said he would consider retirement if he could no longer perform his duties adequately, which includes the grueling trips overseas like the one he just did during his 5-day trip to Seoul as well as medical issues.
It is not a secret that the pope had cancelled several appointments recently due to tiredness, which is not surprising for a man his age and with just one lung. Pope Francis also admitted he has some health issues such as some nerve problems.
By 2015, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines and is considering visiting the U.S., including a stop to Mexico, upon the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki moon.
He celebrated his one year as pope in March 2014, marked by spearheading reforms in the Holy See. Should he feel the need to retire, Catholics should once more brace themselves for   another conclave, while waiting again for white smoke to emanate from the Vatican chimney and hear the much-anticipated line, "Habemus Papam!"

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