Pope Francis Hospitalized with Pneumonia, Raising Concerns about His Ability to Lead
Rome, Italy – Pope Francis, 88, spent another peaceful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for bilateral pneumonia affecting both lungs, the Vatican announced on Friday, amidst lingering questions about his capacity to fulfill his duties.
"The night passed well. This morning, Pope Francis got up and had breakfast," a brief statement read, one week after his hospitalization. A new health bulletin is expected to be released later this afternoon, around 4:30 pm local time.
According to the bulletin issued Thursday evening, "the Holy Father’s clinical status is gradually improving. He is afebrile (without fever) and his hemodynamic parameters (blood circulation) remain stable." The pope is receiving visits from his closest collaborators, reading, signing documents, and making phone calls, a Vatican source indicated.
On Thursday, cardinals expressed encouragement about the Argentine pope’s condition, assuring that he was "on the right track." Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital last Friday for bronchitis, but the Holy See revealed on Tuesday that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs, a potentially life-threatening infection of the lung tissue.
This hospitalization, his fourth since 2021, has sparked concerns as the pope has already been weakened by a series of ailments in recent years, ranging from colon and abdominal surgeries to difficulties walking. These apprehensions are heightened by the spread of false information on social media, particularly about the pope’s purported death in various languages.
No indication has been given about the duration of this stay, and the Vatican has not specified whether Francis, who has not appeared in public since February 14, will be able to preside over the weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday.
The hospitalization of the pope, who is both the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics and the head of state of Vatican City, has reignited questions about his ability to lead, as canon law makes no provision for a serious condition that would impair his lucidity. It has also revived speculation about the pope’s possible resignation, fueled by Francis’ opponents, particularly in conservative circles.
The Bishop of Rome has received numerous messages of sympathy from around the world, from political and religious leaders, faithful, and even children’s drawings. Despite repeated health scares in recent years, Jorge Bergoglio, known for his strength of character, has maintained a relentless pace, much to the chagrin of his doctors who constantly urge him to slow down.
"We pray for him, we hope he will recover and will be able to continue accompanying the Church in its mission," Miguel Miró, a Spanish priest, told AFP on Friday.
Speculation about Papal Resignation
The pope’s hospitalization has raised concerns about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church, with some speculating that he may consider stepping down. Under canon law, a papal resignation is possible, but it is a rare occurrence. The last pope to resign was Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.
However, Vatican officials have stated that there are no plans for Francis to resign. They point to his determination to continue his ministry and his recent decisions, such as the appointment of new cardinals, which indicate that he is committed to the long term.
Calls for Pope Francis to Slow Down
In recent years, Pope Francis’ health has been a source of concern for many. He has suffered from a number of ailments, including sciatica, a herniated disc, and diverticulitis. He has also had colon surgery and has difficulty walking.
Despite his health issues, Pope Francis has maintained a busy schedule, traveling the world and meeting with leaders from all walks of life. He has also written a number of encyclicals and other documents, and has been an outspoken advocate for social justice.
Some have called on Pope Francis to slow down and take care of his health. They argue that he is pushing himself too hard and that he needs to take time for rest and relaxation.
Pope Francis’ Determination
Despite the calls for him to slow down, Pope Francis has shown no signs of wanting to retire. He has said that he will continue to serve as pope as long as he is able.
He has also said that he is not afraid of death and that he is prepared to die whenever God calls him.
Pope Francis’ determination to continue his ministry is a testament to his deep faith and commitment to the Catholic Church. He is a man who is not afraid of challenges and who is determined to make a difference in the world.
