Pope Francis has a resignation letter ready in case he becomes incapacitated.
The letter was signed in the first year of his papacy.
The letter was given to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the former secretary of state.
The current secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, is assumed to have received the letter.
Pope Francis has previously stated that he would step down if unable to fulfill his duties.
The pope is 86 years old and has been using a wheelchair since May.
Pope Francis has a busy schedule and plans to take a trip in January and February.
St. Paul VI and St. John Paul II also made provisions for resignation in case of incapacity.
Pope Francis underwent colon surgery in 2021.