Pope Francis’ Health Crisis Fuels Speculation, But Biographer Dismisses Resignation Rumors

Pope Francis’ recent hospitalization, his longest since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, has ignited a flurry of speculation about his future. The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment for severe bronchitis and double pneumonia for over two weeks, prompting some to question whether he might consider resigning from his position.

Despite the whispers and rumors circulating, papal historian, author, and biographer Austen Ivereigh is adamant that Pope Francis has no intention of stepping down. Ivereigh, known for his book "The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope," believes that Francis views the papacy as a lifelong commitment, regardless of his health challenges.

"He’s spoken various times about this," Ivereigh stated in an interview with Fox News. "He’s saying that for him, the papacy is for life."

Ivereigh emphasized the importance of this stance in a world often obsessed with youth and vitality. He argued that Francis’ dedication to his mission, even in the face of frailty, serves as a powerful reminder that God’s calling transcends physical limitations.

Millions of Catholics worldwide have been offering prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery. In St. Peter’s Square, a nightly rosary vigil, led by a cardinal of the curia, has been organized to bolster faith in the pontiff’s healing.

While Ivereigh expressed optimism about Pope Francis’ recovery, he acknowledged the underlying anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the situation. He attributed this unease, in part, to the precedent set by Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013, becoming the first pontiff to do so in over 500 years.

Adding fuel to the fire, some individuals within the Church are openly expressing their desire for Pope Francis to step down. Bishop Joseph Strickland, a vocal critic of the pontiff, penned an open letter to the College of Cardinals, urging them to carefully consider their choice in the next conclave.

Strickland, who was removed from his position as bishop of the diocese of Tyler, Texas, in 2018 due to his public criticisms of Pope Francis, expressed his "deep concern" that the upcoming conclave might elect a candidate "ineligible to hold the office of pope."

He further reminded the cardinals of their "grave obligation before God to refuse to give assent to the election of any candidate who does not fulfill the conditions established by divine law." Strickland’s letter contained thinly veiled accusations against Pope Francis, suggesting that he has strayed from the theological truths of the faith.

"If a public heretic, or a man who is reasonably suspected of being a public heretic, receives sufficient votes, faithful cardinals have an obligation to refuse to accept the validity of his election," Strickland wrote.

Ivereigh, however, painted a different picture of Pope Francis, describing him as a leader who embodies the teachings of Jesus. He highlighted Francis’ ability to balance the core tenets of the faith with unconditional love for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.

"He proclaims the truth, and at the same time he heals and loves," Ivereigh explained. "And in fact, the truth that he proclaims is a healing truth and the healing that he does — it communicates the truth of who God is."

Since becoming bishop of Rome 12 years ago, Pope Francis has implemented significant changes within the Catholic Church. He has worked to reform the Vatican Bank, expanded the College of Cardinals to include representatives from previously underrepresented regions, such as San Diego, and appointed a woman, Sister Raffaella Petrini, to a high-ranking position within the Vatican.

Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis continues to manage the affairs of the Vatican from his 10th-floor suite at Gemelli Hospital. Ivereigh, who has worked closely with the pontiff on various projects, described him as a "workaholic" who remains dedicated to his responsibilities.

Ivereigh believes that Pope Francis will eventually recover from his current health crisis and return to his residence in Santa Marta for a period of convalescence. He expressed confidence that the doctors are prepared for a potentially lengthy recovery process.

"I think the immediate future is all about him coming out of the hospital, getting back to his residence in Santa Marta for what everybody expects will be a long convalescence," Ivereigh concluded. "The doctors, I think, are pretty clear about that."

The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of Pope Francis’ health crisis on the Catholic Church. While speculation about his potential resignation continues to swirl, his biographer insists that he remains committed to his role and determined to lead the Church for as long as he is able. The world watches and prays for his full recovery, hoping that he may resume his mission.