Recovery, Resignation Or Death: 3 Possible Pope Francis Scenarios
Speculation around a possible resignation has dogged Francis's papacy but has intensified now and are expected to continue in the coming months.
Pope Francis has been in hospital with double pneumonia for 14 days -- the longest hospitalisation in his papacy. The Vatican says his condition is slightly improving but doctors say his prognosis "remains reserved".
The 88-year-old pope, who suffers from a series of health woes but is known for his fighting spirit, appears to be on the mend -- though doctors caution he is not "out of danger".
The pope's medical team has not yet commented on the length of his hospitalisation but other experts have suggested double pneumonia in someone that age could require a three-week stay at least.
The seriousness of his illness would in any case initially force workaholic Francis to slow down.
"It is hard to imagine Francis resuming his activities at the same pace after such an alarm," said a Vatican source on condition of anonymity.
"There would inevitably be a transition period," the source added.
In June 2023, after 10 days of hospitalisation for an abdominal operation, the pope took time to ease back into his schedule, but that was summer, a traditionally less busy period.