Pope Francis prepared his tomb in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This was revealed by journalist Valentina Alazraki, who interviewed the pontiff.
Bergoglio, according to the report, explained that "when old age and limitations arrive, one must prepare" and "for this reason he met with the master of ceremonies to simplify the papal funerals, which will be much simpler." «I will launch the new ritual», Pope Francis said «with humor», writes the Mexican correspondent in the Vatican.
In the exclusive interview with the broadcaster N+, the Holy Father «said that despite the health problems he had this year he never thought of resigning» and, regarding Benedict XVI's renunciation of the pontificate, he commented - again according to what Alazraki reports - that Ratzinger «was a great and humble man, who when he realized his limitations had the courage to say enough».
«The example of Benedict does me good, but I ask the Lord to be able to say enough at any time but only when He wants», explained Pope Francis - says the Mexican correspondent in the Vatican - adding that he had had «a relationship with Ratzinger very tight".
(Unioneonline/ss)
