Pope Francis Faces Critical Health Challenges Amid Hospitalization

The 88-year-old pontiff battles a severe lung infection as the Vatican navigates questions about leadership during his incapacitation.

Pope Francis, 88, is being treated for a severe bilateral pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, with his condition described as critical but stable.
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope is receiving supplemental oxygen and underwent a blood transfusion due to anemia and low platelet counts.
Speculation about a potential resignation has emerged, although Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, dismissed such discussions as premature.
Francis previously disclosed having written a resignation letter in 2013 for use in case of incapacitation, though its legal applicability remains uncertain.
The Pope's hospitalization has raised broader concerns about the absence of formal protocols for papal incapacitation, highlighting gaps in Vatican governance procedures.