Pope Francis' health raises questions about potential resignation
Pope Francis has been in hospital for over a week now. Doctors at Rome's Gemelli Clinic have diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia. The Vatican is continuously providing updates on the health of the Bishop of Rome, and the faithful are increasingly wondering if Francis will decide to resign.
On Saturday evening, concerning news emerged about Pope Francis's health. The latest statement reported that Francis was in "critical condition" after a prolonged respiratory crisis caused by asthma.
A blood transfusion was necessary because recent tests showed that the Holy Father suffers from thrombocytopenia combined with anaemia. Doctors admitted that his condition remains critical and the danger has not passed. They assured, however, that Francis is conscious and spent the entire day in a chair, although he suffered more than the previous day.
The latest reports from the Vatican indicate that the Holy Father's health is improving. However, there is information that the 88-year-old head of the Church might decide to resign.
The Cardinal indicated an important date
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, close to Pope Francis, assessed in an interview with the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera" that the pope might decide to resign under certain conditions. - If he had serious difficulties in fulfilling his duties, he would make such a decision - assesses the clergyman.
However, the cardinal stated that, most likely, the pope will remain in position until a specific date. It concerns the ongoing Jubilee Year event "Pilgrims of Hope", which takes place every quarter-century and will last until 6th January 2026. The event attracts millions of pilgrims to the Vatican, and Pope Francis considers it his "great moment".
Another high-ranking clergyman, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, when asked about the possible retirement of the pope, stated that "anything is possible".
Francis signed an extraordinary document
The Spanish newspaper "ABC" recalled that during an interview in 2022, the Holy Father revealed one of his decisions.
The pope disclosed that just after he was elected Bishop of Rome in March 2013, he signed a special document concerning his resignation from office if his health would not allow him to continue his role. - I signed my resignation when Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone was the Secretary of State. I told him that this is my resignation in case of serious illness - Francis explained at the time.
Similar documents were also signed after the election by Paul VI, Pius XII, and John Paul II. People worldwide anxiously follow the situation, hoping for the pope's speedy recovery.
Source: Onet, Sky News, "Wprost", WP News
