The Vatican confirms the Pope is recovering after a week in hospital, while a cardinal suggests he may consider stepping down.
Pope Francis, who has spent a week at Rome’s Gemelli hospital undergoing treatment for double pneumonia, had a stable night and managed to get up for breakfast, according to a Vatican statement.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted last Friday after experiencing breathing difficulties, which worsened due to a bacterial and viral infection affecting his respiratory system. Doctors have prescribed a mix of antibiotics and cortisone to aid his recovery.
On Thursday, the Vatican reported a slight improvement in his overall condition, noting that his heart remains in good health. Despite his illness, Pope Francis continued to work from his hospital room, assisted by his aides.
His hospitalisation has reignited discussions about a potential resignation. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, speaking to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, suggested that the Pope could step down if his health prevents him from fulfilling his duties. However, he also indicated that Francis might wish to remain in office at least until the upcoming Jubilee year, which he considers a significant event in his papacy.
Pope Francis has previously acknowledged writing a resignation letter in case of severe health complications. Having lost part of a lung in his youth due to pleurisy, he has been prone to respiratory issues, suffering a serious bout of pneumonia in 2023.
