Pope Francis leaves the Swiss cardinal in office

Kurt Koch offered his resignation to the Pope because he became 75 years old. But Francis apparently considers him indispensable.

In 2010 Pope Benedict XVI. Kurt Koch appointed cardinal. The former Bishop of Basel leads the dicasterium to promote the unity of Christians.

Almost a month ago, on March 15, the Minister of Ecumeno of the Vatican celebrated its 75th birthday. It’s an important birthday. Because canon law knows a kind of age. At this point in time, bishops and cardinals have to offer the Pope to resign. At the end of February, Koch confirmed to the German branch of the “Catholic News Agency” that he had submitted a corresponding letter.

An answer was still pending. What Koch is not surprising: « The Holy Father is currently in the hospital and has completely different worries than answering letters. » In fact, Francis had to be treated in a clinic in Rome for five weeks because of a pneumonia on both sides. He temporarily floated in mortal danger.

Two weeks ago, the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church returned to the Vatican. According to his speaker, the inflammation values ​​have decreased. Breathing has improved as well as the ability to speak. And he receives guests again.

On Wednesday, Francis has King Charles III English. and his wife Camilla welcomes a private sow. The Pope congratulated the couple on the 20th wedding anniversary. Charles III. And Camilla showed themselves « deeply touched » by the meeting with Francis. They would have felt honored to be able to bring him the wishes of recovery personally.