Pope Francis could resign as the head of the Roman Catholic Church if his health deteriorates further, the former head of the Vatican’s department of cultural affairs warned on Thursday. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said the pontiff would not want to remain in his post if health issues prevented him from having “direct contact” with people.
Pope Francis was hospitalized last Friday with severe breathing difficulties after a lengthy bout of bronchitis. According to Vatican officials, the 88-year-old has developed pneumonia in both lungs. He is also being treated for a respiratory tract infection.
“I think he could [resign] because he is a person who, from this point of view, is quite decisive in his choices,” Ravasi stated in an interview with Italian radio network RTL. He noted that while the pontiff is known for his tendency to “fight,” and has handled many “demanding” trips despite having to use a wheelchair, he may choose to step down if his ability to communicate with his congregation was compromised.
“There is no question that if he found himself in a situation where he was compromised in his ability to have direct contact – as he loves to do – to be able to communicate in an immediate, direct, incisive, and decisive way, then certainly he might consider [resigning],” he added.
Ravasi also recalled the pontiff’s 2023 interview marking ten years since he became Pope, in which he said he would step down if he became unable to fulfill his duties due to health problems or an accident. The pontiff noted at the time he had already submitted his pre-signed resignation to Cardinal Bertone, the former Vatican secretary of state. In the interview, Francis said he felt “old” and physically humiliated after being confined to a wheelchair as a result of a knee injury.
Sources close to Pope Francis claim he has been gradually recovering. Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, a personal friend of the pontiff, told Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera on Wednesday that “the situation is delicate,” but there was “no cause for alarm.” AP reported on Wednesday that Pope Francis has been able to get out of bed and that his heart function was good, citing a Vatican official.
Lab tests taken on Wednesday also showed a slight improvement in the Pope’s condition, Italian media reported, citing a statement from the Vatican. The pontiff has reportedly continued working from his hospital room, and had a short meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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The pontiff’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, became the first Pope to resign in 600 years when he stepped down in 2013 due to health issues. Pope Francis previously praised Benedict for his resignation, saying he set a “great example” by telling pontiffs “to stop in time.”
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