Pope Francis May Resign, Says Ex-Vatican Official

A former Vatican official suggests Pope Francis could step down, citing health concerns and internal challenges within the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the former head of the Vatican’s department of cultural affairs, cautioned on Thursday that Pope Francis might consider stepping down as leader of the Roman Catholic Church if his health worsens. He noted that the pontiff would prefer not to continue in his role if health challenges impeded his ability to maintain “direct contact” with people.

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital last Friday due to significant breathing challenges following a prolonged case of bronchitis. Vatican officials report that the 88-year-old now has pneumonia in both lungs and is also receiving treatment for a respiratory tract infection.

“He might resign because he is someone who makes firm decisions,” Ravasi mentioned in an interview with Italian radio network RTL. He pointed out that although the pontiff is recognized for his inclination to “fight” and has managed numerous “demanding” trips even while using a wheelchair, he may opt to step down if his capacity to communicate with his congregation were hindered.

“He added that if he ever found himself in a situation where his ability to engage directly—something he deeply values—and communicate immediately, incisively, and decisively was compromised, there is no doubt he might consider resigning.”

Ravasi also remembered the Pope’s 2023 interview commemorating a decade since he assumed the papacy. In that interview, the Pope mentioned his willingness to resign if health issues or an accident rendered him unable to carry out his responsibilities effectively. He revealed that he had already handed in a pre-signed letter of resignation to Cardinal Bertone, who was then serving as the Vatican secretary of state. During this conversation, Francis expressed feeling “old” and physically humbled by being restricted to a wheelchair due to a knee injury.

Sources close to Pope Francis indicate that he is slowly recovering. Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, a personal friend of the pope, mentioned in an interview with Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera on Wednesday that although “the situation is delicate,” there is “no cause for alarm.” On the same day, AP reported, citing a Vatican official, that Pope Francis has been able to get out of bed and his heart function remains strong.

According to Italian media, lab tests conducted on Wednesday indicated a slight improvement in the Pope’s condition, as revealed by a Vatican statement. It has been reported that the pontiff is continuing his work from his hospital room and had a brief meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Benedict XVI, the predecessor to the current pontiff, made history in 2013 by becoming the first Pope to resign in six centuries because of health concerns. Pope Francis has commended Benedict’s decision, stating that he set a “great example” for future leaders by demonstrating when it is prudent for popes “to stop in time.”