Pope Francis Calls for Global Peace While Recovering from Severe Illness

The 88-year-old pontiff remains hospitalized with a critical lung condition as speculation over his health and leadership grows.

Pope Francis, recovering from a severe bilateral pneumonia in a Roman hospital, issued a written appeal for peace in conflict zones including Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon.
The Vatican reports that the Pope’s condition is stable but notes a cautious prognosis after multiple respiratory crises, including a severe bronchospasm on Friday.
The pontiff has spent over two weeks in the hospital, marking the longest public absence of his papacy and missing three consecutive Sunday blessings for the first time in his tenure.
Speculation about a potential papal resignation has intensified, though Vatican officials, including Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, dismissed such discussions as premature and inappropriate.
With significant events like the 12th anniversary of his papacy and Easter approaching, questions remain about whether Pope Francis will be able to resume his duties or delegate responsibilities further.