Inquiring about Commissioner's readiness to execute essential measures for the enforcements of the Commission's plans.
Meet your new pope, Leo XIV! Chosen by the Vatican's electing cardinals on May 8, this 69-year-old pontiff is stepping into the role with unshakable resolve. According to CNews, canon law makes his removal impossible, with only one exception - self-renunciation. This rule is enshrined in the Church's lawbooks, stating that the pope possesses an absolute, divine power with no limits. The first See is immune from judgment, as stated in article 1404 of the text.
The pope serves for life, unable to be dismissed or even resign under normal circumstances. However, in severe illness cases, the pope is allowed to abdicate. Throughout history, only three popes have utilized this right - Celestine V (1294), Gregory XII (1415), and Benedict XVI (2013) - with John Paul II considering it due to his Parkinson's disease towards the end of his pontificate. To effectively resign, the pope must do so voluntarily, without coercion or duress, and the act of resignation must be clearly communicated.
With the inaugural Mass scheduled for May 18, Leo XIV faces the challenge of potentially surpassing the length of his predecessor, Francis, who was elected in 2013 at 76 years old. From the balcony of the Sistine Chapel, the new head of the Catholic Church spoke to the world with a message of peace, honoring Francis with a heartfelt tribute. In the coming weeks, Leo XIV will recite the Regina cæli prayer in St. Peter's Basilica, answer press inquiries during a Vatican conference, and celebrate the inauguration of his pontificate on May 18.
As we usher in a new era for the Church, it's important to understand the circumstances under which a pope can voluntarily relinquish the papacy. The pope can renounce his role only if the act is freely and properly communicated, the pope is of sound mind, there is no need for acceptance from any church authority, and the resignation typically occurs due to incapacity from age or health or extraordinary church circumstances. Despite these regulations, the act of resignation remains a rare event in the Church's history.
During his tenure, Pope Leo XIV may choose to follow in the footsteps of three predecessors – Celestine V, Gregory XII, and Benedict XVI – by voluntarily renouncing the papacy, a decision made only under extreme circumstances such as ill health or unforeseen church events. In such a scenario, the pope must communicate his resignation freely, without pressure, and demonstrate that he is of sound mind, requiring no acceptance from any church authority.
