THE Pope wrote his resignation letter 12 years ago in case he became too ill to fulfil the holy role as he remains in a ‘critical’ state in hospital.
The Pontiff has spent 10 nights in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where he has undergone blood transfusions and has been diagnosed with mild kidney failure and double pneumonia.
Over the weekend, The Vatican released updates about the 88-year-old’s condition confirming that he had worsened after a respiratory crisis on Saturday and was critically ill.
But the latest update on Monday said he “woke up and is continuing his therapies,” is “eating normally,” and “his mood is good.”
They added that he is not in any pain.
Though Pope Francis’s low platelet count and mild kidney failure are under control, the prognosis remains reserved, doctors previously said.
He was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after having breathing difficulties and was later diagnosed with double pneumonia.
In 2013, he took over as Pontiff from Pope Benedict XVI who shocked the world when he resigned – the first papal resignation in over 600 years.
Traditionally, Popes serve until they die.
But Francis revealed in 2022 that after just months of being in the role, he too would resign if his health left him unable to do the job justice.
In an interview, Francis said that he penned his resignation letter in case the time came and handed it to the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, about six months after he was elected.
He said at the time: “You have it. I don’t know to whom Cardinal Bertone may have given it, but I gave it to him when he was secretary of state.”
Pietro Parolin is the current Cardinal Secretary of State after taking over from Bertone in 2013 following the handover from Pope Benedict XVI to Francis.
The Pope’s frail health has fuelled speculation over a possible imminent resignation.
It came after two people close to the Pontiff claimed Francis had confided to them that he “might not make it this time”, according to a report by Politico.
The sources also apparently said the Pope is suffering from intense pain and is “tying up loose ends” before his successor.
Gianfranco Ravasi, the Vatican’s former Minister of Culture, has said Francis could abdicate if he felt unable to carry out his role.
The cardinal told Italian radio station RTL: “There is no doubt that the Pope could decide to resign if he found himself in a situation in which his ability to have direct contact with people and to communicate in an immediate, incisive and decisive manner was compromised.”
Ravasi continued: “Until now, the Pope has chosen to continue his activity even when he has had knee problems, for example.
“On that occasion, he said the famous phrase that one governs with the mind and not with the knee. The Pope has always had a tendency to fight and react.”
But the Vatican has firmly denied that Francis is contemplating resigning.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, dismissed rumours in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
He said: “Speculation seems useless when what really matters is the health of Francis, his recovery, and return to the Vatican.”
The Holy See has continued to outweigh concerns over the Pope’s health with positive updates, describing him as “alert and well-oriented.”
The Vatican said he is “fully conscious, alert, eating, and working.”
He was well enough to attend Sunday Mass in his hospital apartment on Sunday alongside his doctors and nurses, a press release stated.
From his sickbed, he issued a heartfelt message thanking people for their love and prayers.
“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!” he said on Sunday.
“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.”
He has been particularly touched by messages and drawings from children.
“In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” he added.
“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”
How will the next Pope be chosen?
By Patrick Harrington, foreign news reporter
If the Pope dies his passing must first be confirmed by the Chamberlain of the Catholic church – in the presence of the Papal Master of Ceremonies and other officials.
The Chamberlain then informs the cardinal vicar for Rome, who passes the news onto the city and the world.
After nine days of mourning, during which time the Pope is buried, the task of choosing a new leader arises.
All 252 cardinals will be summoned to Rome from around the world for the Papal election, called Conclave.
The new Pope is decided by a vote, which can be participated in by up to 115 cardinals.
The number is whittled down by excluding any cardinals over 80.
There are secret discussions between the cardinals about who would be a good successor.
Then voting begins in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel – and continues until a consensus is reached.
However, if there is still no consensus after 12 days, then a new Pope can be appointed with more than 50 per cent of the votes.
Locals are kept updated on the process by twice-daily plumes of smoke coming from the chapel.
Black smoke means the vote is still being deliberated, and when white smoke appears it means a decision has been reached.
