Ex-Vatican Official Suggests Pope Francis Might Resign
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi has warned that Pope Francis may consider resigning if his health hinders him from maintaining “direct contact” with people. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Last week, Pope Francis was hospitalized due to pneumonia.
On Thursday, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the former head of the Vatican’s department of cultural affairs, suggested that the pontiff might resign if his health continues to decline. Ravasi noted that Pope Francis would not want to stay in his position if health challenges hindered his ability to have “direct contact” with people.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital last Friday after experiencing severe breathing difficulties linked to a prolonged episode of bronchitis. Vatican officials confirmed that the 88-year-old pope has developed pneumonia in both lungs and is receiving treatment for a respiratory tract infection.
“I think he could [resign] because he is a person who, from this point of view, is quite decisive in his choices,” Ravasi stated in an interview with Italian radio network RTL. He mentioned that although the pontiff is known for his determination and has managed many challenging trips despite needing a wheelchair, he might consider stepping down if his communication with the congregation is affected.
“There is no question that if he found himself in a situation where he was compromised in his ability to have direct contact – as he loves to do – to be able to communicate in an immediate, direct, incisive, and decisive way, then certainly he might consider [resigning],” he added.
Ravasi also referenced a 2023 interview where Pope Francis marked the tenth anniversary of his papacy. In that interview, he expressed that he would resign if he could no longer fulfill his responsibilities due to health issues or an accident, mentioning that he had pre-signed his resignation for Cardinal Bertone, the former Vatican secretary of state. Francis also disclosed feeling “old” and physically constrained after being confined to a wheelchair due to a knee injury.
Despite his condition, sources close to the pontiff have reported that he is gradually recovering. Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, a personal friend of Pope Francis, told Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera on Wednesday that “the situation is delicate,” but there was “no cause for alarm.” According to an Associated Press report, the pope has been able to get out of bed, and his heart function is stable, as confirmed by a Vatican official.
Lab tests conducted on Wednesday indicated a slight improvement in the Pope’s condition, with Italian media citing a Vatican statement. He has remained active, continuing his work from his hospital room and even having a brief meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Pope Francis’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, made history in 2013 by becoming the first pope to resign in 600 years due to health issues. Pope Francis previously commended Benedict for his decision, stating that he set a “great example” by reminding future pontiffs “to stop in time.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Thursday, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the former head of the Vatican’s department of cultural affairs, suggested that the pontiff might resign if his health continues to decline. Ravasi noted that Pope Francis would not want to stay in his position if health challenges hindered his ability to have “direct contact” with people.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital last Friday after experiencing severe breathing difficulties linked to a prolonged episode of bronchitis. Vatican officials confirmed that the 88-year-old pope has developed pneumonia in both lungs and is receiving treatment for a respiratory tract infection.
“I think he could [resign] because he is a person who, from this point of view, is quite decisive in his choices,” Ravasi stated in an interview with Italian radio network RTL. He mentioned that although the pontiff is known for his determination and has managed many challenging trips despite needing a wheelchair, he might consider stepping down if his communication with the congregation is affected.
“There is no question that if he found himself in a situation where he was compromised in his ability to have direct contact – as he loves to do – to be able to communicate in an immediate, direct, incisive, and decisive way, then certainly he might consider [resigning],” he added.
Ravasi also referenced a 2023 interview where Pope Francis marked the tenth anniversary of his papacy. In that interview, he expressed that he would resign if he could no longer fulfill his responsibilities due to health issues or an accident, mentioning that he had pre-signed his resignation for Cardinal Bertone, the former Vatican secretary of state. Francis also disclosed feeling “old” and physically constrained after being confined to a wheelchair due to a knee injury.
Despite his condition, sources close to the pontiff have reported that he is gradually recovering. Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, a personal friend of Pope Francis, told Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera on Wednesday that “the situation is delicate,” but there was “no cause for alarm.” According to an Associated Press report, the pope has been able to get out of bed, and his heart function is stable, as confirmed by a Vatican official.
Lab tests conducted on Wednesday indicated a slight improvement in the Pope’s condition, with Italian media citing a Vatican statement. He has remained active, continuing his work from his hospital room and even having a brief meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Pope Francis’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, made history in 2013 by becoming the first pope to resign in 600 years due to health issues. Pope Francis previously commended Benedict for his decision, stating that he set a “great example” by reminding future pontiffs “to stop in time.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
