Pope Francis suggests he may resign papacy like his predecessorMarch 14, 2015 - 10:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis has suggested he may resign his papacy like his predecessor, rather than remain at the Vatican for life. The pontiff made the comments during an interview with Mexican television, marking the second anniversary of his election, BBC News reports. "I have the feeling that my pontificate will be brief. Four or five years; I do not know, even two or three," he said. He praised Pope Benedict's decision to step aside in 2013 as "courageous". "Benedict should not be considered an exception, but an institution. Maybe he will be the only one for a long time, maybe he will not be the only one. "But an institutional door has been opened," he told the Televisa channel. Pope Francis has hinted in the past that he could retire, but said he was opposed to the idea of an age limit for leaders of the Catholic Church. "To say that one is in charge up to 80 years, creates a sensation that the pontificate is at its end and that would not be a good thing," he added. A papal conclave elected Pope Francis as Benedict XVI's successor on 13 March 2013. He became the first Latin American to lead the Church. During the interview he admitted he was "surprised" by the decision and had only carried a small suitcase to Rome, with the expectation he would return to Buenos Aires. His simple style has won him praise from Catholics, as have his promises to reform the Curia - the Church's internal government. However, he said two years of his papacy had now passed and he felt it would not continue for very much longer. "I do not know. But I feel that the Lord has placed me here for a short time, and nothing more," he added. "But it is a feeling. I always leave the possibility open." He told Televisa that he "did not mind being Pope", but missed the anonymity associated with life as a priest. "The only thing I would like is to go out one day, without being recognized, and go to a pizzeria for a pizza." Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |