Pope Francis praises ‘humility’ of C13th pontiff who resigned office

Pope Francis leads the opening of the Holy Door in L’Aquila, Italy, to mark the final phase of the city’s 728th perdonanza celestiniana, a plenary indulgence or ‘forgiveness’. Photograph: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

Pope Francis, who has raised the possibility of retiring for reasons of declining health, has praised the humility of a 13th-century pontiff who was one of the few in history to step down rather than rule for life.

The announcement of the visit by the head of the Roman Catholic church to L’Aquila, in the central Apennine mountains, had fuelled speculation of a possible resignation announcement after 20 new cardinals were inducted this weekend.