Pope Francis’ condition has slightly improved following his battle with pneumonia, the Vatican announced on Thursday.
A spokesperson confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff no longer has a fever. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital last Friday, though no official timeline has been given for his discharge.
Doctors recently diagnosed him with pneumonia affecting both lungs. Reports indicate that Pope Francis had resisted hospitalization since mid-December, despite ongoing health concerns.
Resignation Speculation Grows
Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi suggested on Thursday that the pope might consider stepping down if his health deteriorates further.
“If he reaches a point where he is unable to maintain direct interaction with people, I believe he would think about resigning,” Ravasi stated in a radio interview. He described the pope’s condition as “serious but not critical.”
French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline also did not rule out the possibility of resignation, stating, “Anything is possible.” His comments reignited discussions on whether Pope Francis could follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013 due to health issues and lived in seclusion until his death in 2022.
Despite the speculation, Pope Francis has repeatedly dismissed the idea of resigning. He previously revealed that he had submitted a signed resignation letter to the Vatican Secretariat of State at the start of his papacy—only to be enacted if he became too ill to carry out his duties.
Calls for Prayers and Meloni’s Visit
Cardinal Aveline has called on Catholics around the world to pray for the pope’s recovery.
“He is exhausted. He is the kind of person who must be taken to the hospital to recover properly; otherwise, he won’t regain his strength,” said Aveline, who is considered one of the possible successors to Pope Francis.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the pope at the hospital on Wednesday. According to Corriere della Sera, Francis was in good spirits and maintained his well-known sense of humor.
“The doctors have told me I need to take care of myself, or I’ll go straight to heaven,” the pope reportedly joked. He also acknowledged ongoing speculation about his health, saying, “I know some people out there believe my time has come.”
After the meeting, Meloni’s office reported that Pope Francis was alert and in stable condition.
Health Updates and Vatican Statement
The Vatican has confirmed that the pope spent a restful sixth night in the hospital without complications. He was able to get up in the morning and had breakfast while seated in an armchair.
Initially admitted for bronchitis, concerns over his health increased after reports revealed he was battling double pneumonia.
While discussions about the future of the papacy continue, the Vatican has reassured the public that Pope Francis is showing signs of recovery.