As Pope Francis continues to recover in the hospital, the Secretary-General and spokesman for the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE), Bishop Francisco César García Magán, reassured the public that the conditions for the Pope’s resignation have not been met.

This statement came following questions about the Pope’s health, as he has been hospitalized for the past two weeks.

No Basis for Resignation Under Current Circumstances

During a meeting of the CEE’s standing committee, Bishop García clarified that Pope Francis’ resignation is governed by Canon 332.2 of the Code of Canon Law, which requires it to be “free and formally expressed.”

According to the bishop, Pope Francis has not met these conditions, as his health issues are not the kind that would necessitate resignation.

In fact, the bishop referred to a specific instance in 2013 when Pope Francis, upon becoming pontiff, made arrangements for a potential resignation in case of serious medical impairment.

At the time, Pope Francis gave a signed letter to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state, indicating that the pontiff could step down if there were any impediment—such as a medical issue—that would hinder his ability to fulfill his duties.

Clarifying the Nature of the Impediment

Bishop García elaborated, noting that the conditions Pope Francis had in mind for a possible resignation involved a “mental impediment,” rather than the age-related health concerns the Pope is currently facing.

According to the bishop, the Pope’s current health issues, which are linked to the natural effects of aging, do not meet the criteria outlined by the pontiff in 2013.

He also reaffirmed the Pope’s own words, which emphasize that the Church is led by both the mind and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not merely physical strength.

Bishop García expressed that Pope Francis’ leadership has not been compromised by his health struggles.

A Call for Prayer and Unity

The bishop reassured the faithful, emphasizing that the Church is not yet in a state where a conclave is necessary, and that there is no immediate threat to the Pope’s position.

He encouraged Catholics worldwide to continue praying for the Pope’s recovery, asking them to pray “with affection and communion” for his healing.

This call to prayer reflects the Church’s unity in supporting the Pope during this time of illness.

This article was originally reported by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted for English-speaking readers.