Pope Francis Quashes Resignation Talks, Assures He’s Still in Charge- wna24

Rome: Pope Francis is steadily recovering from double pneumonia, dispelling speculation of an imminent death, resignation, or conclave while signaling that he remains very much in charge, albeit in a weakened state.

The Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff had another restful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with doctors reporting continued slight improvements. The kidney insufficiency detected in recent days has receded, blood tests show marginal progress, and his complex lung infection is following a “normal evolution” with treatment. Despite receiving high-flow supplemental oxygen and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy, Francis has not experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday.

Prayers for his health continue to pour in from around the world. On Wednesday night, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, led a Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square for the pope’s recovery. “We are gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray confidently that God will allow Pope Francis to resume his apostolic service as soon as possible, in the fullness of his physical strength and with that pastoral dynamism that characterizes him,” Re said.

While Re would play a key role in any papal succession—presiding over a funeral and organizing a conclave—his presence on Wednesday night was solely as a senior cardinal praying for Francis’ return to full health.

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has remained active in governance. The Vatican announced Wednesday that he had appointed four new bishops and approved the establishment of a new fundraising initiative to bolster the Holy See’s struggling finances. While these decisions were likely made before his hospitalization, their official announcement underscores his continued leadership.

In recent days, the Vatican has published a series of papal decrees, including granting expanded governing powers to the first-ever nun to lead the Vatican City State and calling a future meeting of cardinals to finalize dates for upcoming canonizations. The move raised some speculation, as it was during a similar gathering on February 11, 2013, that Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation. However, there is no indication that Francis is considering a similar step.

Outside the hospital, well-wishers continue to express their support. On Wednesday evening, trumpeter Felice Carella and singer Davide Capuano performed Schubert’s Ave Maria beneath the pope’s 10th-floor hospital window. “For me, this is not a simple song, this is a big prayer for the pope so that he will be better,” Capuano said. “These are terrible days, and I hope the whole world can pray together with us.”