Pope Hospitalized for 7 Days... Pneumonia Diagnosis Amid Ongoing Controversy

Vatican: "No Fever and Blood Pressure Stable"

Concerns are growing over the health of Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for a week due to pneumonia. Some cautiously speculate that he might follow the example of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli General Hospital on the 14th with a "polymicrobial respiratory infection." According to the Vatican, a CT scan confirmed additional pneumonia in both lungs.

Believers from Bolivia are praying on the 18th (local time) in front of the statue of Pope John Paul II outside Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome, Italy, where Pope Francis is hospitalized. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to foreign media, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said in an interview with an Italian radio station, "I think he could resign," adding, "because he is a person who is quite decisive when making decisions about such matters."

Cardinal Ravasi reported that the Pope worked at the hospital this week and used a wheelchair due to knee pain, saying, "Work is done with the head, not the knees." This was interpreted as the Pope emphasizing his "vitality" with his characteristic humor. He continued, "If he finds himself in a situation where he cannot conduct work through direct conversation, which is the Pope's preferred method," then "I think he could decide to resign."

On the other hand, Austin Ivereigh, the Pope’s biographer, stated that the Pope showed the will and determination to maintain his position this week. However, he added that Pope Francis does not want to return to the era of Pope John Paul II. He might resign if he feels he cannot perform the papal duties perfectly.

In his memoir published last year, Life: My Story Through History, Pope Francis wrote, "I think I will serve as Pope for life, and therefore I see no conditions for resignation," but also noted, "If a serious physical disability occurs, the situation will be different."

A believer holds a candle praying for the Pope's recovery in front of the hospital in Rome where he is hospitalized. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

It is reported that the Pope has prepared a resignation letter in case his health deteriorates to the point where he cannot fulfill his duties.

Meanwhile, concerns about Pope Francis’s health have continued following recent falls. In December, he attended the ceremony appointing 21 new cardinals with bruises on his chin, and last month he injured his right arm. However, the Vatican stated on the 20th (local time), "This morning, after receiving Communion, the Pope devoted himself to work." Matteo Bruni, the Vatican press office director, said, "The Pope is breathing independently and maintaining heart stability."

The 88-year-old Pope has been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital four times. He underwent colon surgery in 2021, was hospitalized for a respiratory infection two years later but was discharged after three days. In June of the same year, he had abdominal surgery for a hernia, and in February last year, he visited the hospital for tests after showing flu symptoms. The Pope, who had part of his right lung removed due to a lung infection in his youth, is known to frequently suffer from bronchitis and other illnesses during cold winters.

Pope Francis, who was unable to lead the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on the 16th, also canceled the general audience scheduled for the 19th. The Vatican announced that the Pope will not attend the events on the 22nd commemorating the Catholic Jubilee or the Sunday Mass on the 23rd, following medical advice.