The Guardian view on Pope Francis: protecting a progressive legacy | Editorial

The pontiff is off the critical list and stable. But his achievements will need to be safeguarded in an inevitable power struggle to come
The release on Sunday of the first photograph of Pope Francis since his admission to the Gemelli hospital in Rome was an uplifting moment for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. In a message published by the Vatican, he said that he continued to feel “fragile” and was “facing a period of trial”. But after battling pneumonia in both lungs for more than a month, he is now off the critical list.
How long the 88-year-old pontiff is able to carry on in St Peter’s chair, though, is another matter. Rumours have inevitably swirled regarding a possible resignation – following the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. Though he has overcome multiple health issues to pursue an active and dynamic papacy, a prolonged period of illness may lead him to contemplate stepping down if he can no longer carry out a pastoral role effectively.
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
Continue reading...-
Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization
Pope Francis was photographed at the hospital for the first time since he was admitted last month for double pneumonia.NBC News - 1d -
Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization
The Vatican press office released a photo of Pope Francis on Sunday in a private chapel of Rome's Gemelli Hospital.ABC News - 1d -
Vatican Releases First Photo of Pope Francis Since He Was Hospitalized
The release of the photo a month into his treatment came after dozens of young people gathered under the pontiff’s windows to offer wishes for a quick recovery.The New York Times - 1d -
Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis since hospitalization
The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized more than a month ago. He is still dealing with lung and breathing issues but is no longer in critical condition.CBS News - 1d -
Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis since hospitalization
The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since he was hospitalized more than a month ago. He is still dealing with lung and breathing issues but is no longer in critical condition.CBS News - 1d -
In his own words: Pope Francis' views on resigning changed over time
Pope Francis has entered his fourth week in the hospital with double pneumonia, increasingly handing off his day-to-day duties to cardinals as questions swirl about the near and long-term future of ...ABC News - Mar. 8 -
Pope seen praying at hospital chapel in photo released by Vatican
Francis pictured for first time since he was admitted to hospital more than a month ago with pneumonia. The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis since the 88-year-old was ...The Guardian - 1d -
Pope Francis no longer in immediate danger, Vatican says
Latest medical update for 88-year-old pontiff said he was responding well to treatment in hospital . Pope Francis is no longer in immediate danger and is responding well to treatment in hospital, ...The Guardian - Mar. 10 -
Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis during monthlong hospital stay
The Vatican said Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since Feb. 14, was participating in the celebration of the Mass with other priests.CBS News - 1d
More from The Guardian
-
Judge incredulous in Trump deportation case as administration lawyers argue verbal court order isn’t binding – live
Judge in Trump deportation case calls administration lawyers’ argument a ‘heck of a stretch’. White House denies violating judge’s order with Venezuela deportations What is the Alien Enemies ...The Guardian - 30m -
Conor McGregor anti-immigration rant in White House condemned by Irish PM
Micheál Martin says MMA fighter’s comments before Trump meeting ‘do not reflect spirit of St Patrick’s Day’. Ireland’s taoiseach has denounced anti-immigration comments made by Conor McGregor as ...The Guardian - 4h -
Trump says he and Putin will discuss land and power plants in Ukraine ceasefire talks
Trump says negotiators have already discussed ‘dividing up certain assets’ and that he will talk to Putin on Tuesday. US politics live – latest updates Donald Trump is to speak to Vladimir ...The Guardian - 7h -
Second body identified in Canada landfill amid search for serial killer’s victims
Marcedes Myran’s remains found in search mission after Jeremy Skibicki preyed on Indigenous women in 2022. Canadian police have confirmed the identity of a second woman whose body was dumped at a ...The Guardian - 4h -
Russia behind arson attack on Ikea store in Lithuanian capital, says prosecutor
People suspected of involvement in 2024 Vilnius attack also accused of links to crimes in Poland. Lithuanian prosecutors have blamed the Russian military intelligence service for being behind an ...The Guardian - 8h
More in World
-
Judge incredulous in Trump deportation case as administration lawyers argue verbal court order isn’t binding – live
Judge in Trump deportation case calls administration lawyers’ argument a ‘heck of a stretch’. White House denies violating judge’s order with Venezuela deportations What is the Alien Enemies ...The Guardian - 30m -
Mysterious sea foam on South Australian beaches reportedly leaves more than 100 surfers ill
Leafy seadragons, fish, and octopuses among creatures to have washed up dead on both Waitpinga beach and Parsons beach . Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking ...The Guardian - 46m -
Lionel Messi to miss Argentina World Cup qualifiers with adductor injury
Inter Miami confirm injury in MLS game against Atlanta Messi will miss matches against Uruguay and Brazil Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and ...The Guardian - 53m -
Trump Lawyer Refuses to Answer Judge’s Questions in Deportation Flight Hearing
The Trump administration tried to have the hearing canceled and sought to remove the judge overseeing it, as White House officials took a confrontational stance.The New York Times - 55m -
King Charles III plans to meet Pope Francis during Vatican state visit
Yahoo News - 59m