What's happened
Pope Francis, 88, is in his 13th day at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, battling double pneumonia. While his condition is critical, the Vatican reports slight improvements. He continues to work and has approved new saints, despite concerns about his health and potential resignation.
What's behind the headline?
Current Health Status
- Pope Francis is currently hospitalized due to double pneumonia, a serious condition affecting both lungs.
- The Vatican has reported slight improvements in his condition, with stable hemodynamic parameters and no recent respiratory crises.
Implications for Papacy
- The Pope's health raises questions about the future of his papacy, especially in light of his previous comments on resignation.
- His age and medical history, including lung surgery, contribute to concerns about his ability to fulfill papal duties.
Public and Media Reaction
- There is a mix of concern and hope among the public and media regarding the Pope's health.
- Some commentators believe that the Pope's continued work, including approving new saints, indicates his commitment to his role despite health challenges.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Pope Francis is spending his 13th day in the hospital, marking the longest stay of his papacy. The Vatican stated that while his condition remains critical, he is stable and has resumed work activities, including approving decrees for new saints. Alastair Jamieson from The Independent noted that the Pope's health has been a topic of concern, with some suggesting he might consider resignation, although others believe he will continue in his role. SBS reported that the Pope has shown slight improvement, continuing to communicate with others and engage in his duties, despite the serious nature of his illness.
How we got here
Pope Francis has faced health challenges over the past two years, including lung infections and surgeries. His current hospitalization marks the longest of his papacy, raising questions about his ability to continue in office.
Go deeper
- What are the latest updates on the Pope's health?
- How has the public reacted to his hospitalization?
- What does this mean for the future of the papacy?
More on these topics
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Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
