Vatican Conservatives Allegedly Has 'Secret Plan' To Force Liberal Pope Francis To Resign

It has been alleged that conservatives in the Vatican have set out on a "secret plan" to apply pressure on the liberal Pope Francis to force his resignation, RadarOnline.com has learned.

Francis, 86, has served as the head of the Catholic church, the Bishop of Rome, and sovereign of Vatican City since 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI after a child sexual abuse scandal plagued the church.

Francis' reign has been a stark contrast to his predecessor's. The current head of the Catholic church has been criticized by conservatives and celebrated by liberals for leading the religious establishment in an unprecedented modern direction.

Since 2013, Francis has made shocking statements that ruffled feathers amongst conservative members in Vatican City. The current pope has openly supported gay marriage and same-sex unions, as well as his claim that atheists can still go to heaven.

He also stated in the past that he would step down should his health merit the decision; however, it was believed to be an unlikely event while his predecessor was still alive. Potential resignation was believed to be avoided at all costs to prevent three living popes residing at the Vatican at the same time.

The alleged "secret plan" to force his resignation was believed to be contrived within the days following Pope Benedict XVI's death on New Year's Eve 2022.

According to the Italian publication La Stampa, a cardinal allegedly told the newspaper that the conservative members are ready to make a move toward the "communist" pope.