Papal Resignation - Alleged Conditional Resignations Not Put Into Effect

Alleged Conditional Resignations Not Put Into Effect

Before setting out for Paris to crown Napoleon in 1804, Pope Pius VII (1800–1823), signed a document of resignation to take effect if he were imprisoned in France.

It has been claimed that during World War II, Pius XII drew up a document with instructions that, if he were kidnapped by the Nazis, he was to be considered to have resigned his office, and the Cardinals were to flee to neutral Portugal and elect a successor.

Pope John Paul II wrote a letter of resignation in case if he were to come down with an incurable disease or if anything happened that would keep him from fulfilling his duties.

Read more about this topic:  Papal Resignation

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