Speculation is mounting that Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized long-term due to pneumonia, might resign. Although the papacy is a lifelong position, the pope might make such a decision if he finds it difficult to perform his duties due to health issues. The moves of those considered as possible successors are also becoming more active.
According to the New York Times on the 26th (local time), two high-ranking clergy from the Vatican visited Pope Francis, who is hospitalized at Italy’s Gemelli Hospital, earlier this week. Initially, the Vatican did not confirm this visit, but later stated that it was related to a cardinal meeting for the canonization of new Catholic saints. However, since the clergy who visited the pope had not previously been involved in the canonization issue, there is speculation that they might have discussed the pope’s resignation. In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI also announced his intention to resign at a cardinal meeting discussing canonization, which adds to the speculation. Andreas Englisch, a journalist who has covered the Vatican for over 40 years, described the visit as “very, very strange.”
Pope Francis has been hospitalized since March 13 due to bronchitis and has not appeared in public for two weeks. Reports of him once experiencing breathing difficulties have indicated that his condition is serious. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi mentioned in an interview with Italian media that there would be no question of the pope resigning if he loses his ability to communicate in an immediate, direct, sharp, and decisive manner.
Pope Francis has also hinted at the possibility of stepping down if a physical disability arises. He even prepared a resignation letter upon election and submitted it to the Secretary of State for the Vatican as a precaution for health issues.
However, the Vatican has denied the possibility of resignation. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State and the number two person at the Vatican, referred to talk of resignation as “useless speculation.” It is reported that the pope’s health has also somewhat improved. Nonetheless, behind the scenes, the competition to determine his successor seems to have already begun. Reform-minded and moderate candidates, similar in disposition to Pope Francis, include Secretary of State Parolin and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. Cardinal Zuppi recently celebrated mass at the Pantheon in Rome, which some interpret as a move to curry favor with conservatives ahead of the conclave (papal election).
Conservative candidates include Cardinal Robert Sarah, who resigned as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments after clashing with the pope over issues like clerical celibacy, and Cardinal Raymond Burke, known for his fierce criticism of the pope’s policies on welcoming the LGBTQ+ community.