As Pope Francis Recovers, Cardinals Address Possibility of Resignation

Cardinals optimistic as Pope maintains stable heart condition
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Feb 21, 2025 12:45 AM CST
As Pope Francis Recovers, Cardinals Address Possibility of Resignation
A statue of Pope John Paul II is seen in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, Rome, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, where the Pontiff is hospitalized since Friday, Feb. 14.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis continues to recover from pneumonia, with improving health conditions, as reported by the Vatican on Thursday. Doctors diagnosed the 88-year-old with pneumonia after bronchitis worsened. He was hospitalized on February 14. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that Francis has no fever, and his heart is functioning well. Key heart parameters remain stable, and inflammation indices show slight improvement. Despite being in the hospital, Pope Francis is actively working from his bed.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline joked about Francis' work ethic, saying: "If you really want him to rest, you have to hospitalize him." Cardinals Aveline and Juan Josè Omella addressed concerns about the Pope's potential resignation. Omella emphasized the church's continuity, stating: "Popes change, we bishops change, priests in parishes change, communities change. But the train continues being on the move." On the possibility the pope might resign if he doesn't fully recover, Aveline said, "Everything is possible."

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi also noted resignation is possible if the Pope can't maintain his preferred direct contact with people. Pope Francis penned a resignation letter soon after being elected pontiff, to be used in case of health incapacities. There is no indication of Francis being incapacitated currently. Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano expressed confidence in Francis' recovery, highlighting his resilience during a recent trip to Asia. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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