Pope Francis remains hospitalized for pneumonia affecting both lungs, raising questions about his future as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The 88-year-old pontiff has been under medical care for two weeks, with the Vatican indicating that the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in determining his overall health condition. This situation has sparked rumors of a potential resignation, especially following the Vatican's announcement of a consistory to discuss candidates for sainthood at an unspecified date.
The pope's advanced age and recent health issues have led some observers to speculate whether he might follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013. This was a historic move that some believe "opened the door" for future popes to consider retirement. While the Catholic Church has a tradition of lifelong papacy, Pope Francis has not entirely ruled out the possibility of stepping down.
Pope Francis will turn 89 on December 17, prompting many to question whether he feels capable of continuing his papal duties. He has previously stated that he views the papacy as "ad vitam"—meaning "for life"—and has emphasized that resignation is not currently on his agenda.
Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of the pope, noted that any consideration of resignation would depend on long-term health issues.
“I think the only circumstances under which he (Francis) would consider resignation, as he has said, would be if he had a long-term degenerative or debilitating condition which prevented him from fully carrying out the papal ministry,” – Austen Ivereigh.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis remains resolute in his mission. Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister, affirmed that it is not expected for the pope to resign. He stated that Francis is committed to his recovery and will give everything to overcome this health crisis.
“If God’s will is that he should get better, wonderful,” – Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
The archbishop further noted that if it is God’s will for Pope Francis to suffer health complications, he would accept that as part of his spiritual journey.
“If it’s God’s will that he shouldn’t, well then, he will accept that. That is the spirit of his life…” – Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
The ongoing health crisis comes at a time when leadership within the Church is scrutinized. Marco Politi, a Vatican analyst, observed that since Pope Benedict's resignation, consistories have become increasingly political.
“After the surprise of Ratzinger’s resignation, consistories in certain difficult periods of the church now became highly political,” – Marco Politi.
The potential for a conclave—a formal meeting to elect a new pope—remains an avenue should a resignation occur. This process can be initiated similarly to what happens following a papal death. In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI amended the law to allow for quicker elections after a resignation, indicating a shift in how such transitions may be approached by future popes.
For now, Pope Francis continues to focus on his health and recovery. The Vatican has reported that he was placed on a breathing machine after experiencing respiratory difficulties last Friday. This situation has heightened anxieties regarding his ability to lead effectively.
