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.
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In his own words: Pope Francis' views on resigning changed over time
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Pope Francis notching important milestones this week as he recovers from pneumonia
The recovery of Pope Francis from double pneumonia continued Wednesday as he inched toward the 12th anniversary of his election as pope.NBC News - Mar. 12 -
A day-by-day look at Pope Francis' hospitalization for pneumonia, at the 3-week mark
Pope Francis was hospitalized on Feb. 14 after suffering a bout of bronchitis for weeks and after increasingly finding it hard to speak publiclyABC News - Mar. 7 -
Pope Francis shows 'slight improvement' amid weekslong hospitalization, Vatican says
Pope Francis has shown a "gradual, slight improvement" after more than three weeks in the hospital, the Vatican said Saturday.NBC News - Mar. 8 -
Pope Francis' prognosis has been 'lifted' on 25th consecutive day in hospital
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Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger but he remains hospitalized
In a sign of his improved health, Pope Francis followed the Vatican's weeklong spiritual retreat via videoconference on Monday.CBS News - Mar. 10 -
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 - 2d -
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 - 3d -
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 - 2d -
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 - 2d -
In his own words: Pope Francis has long been up front about his health problems and eventual death
Pope Francis has written and spoken at length about sickness, aging and deathABC News - Mar. 11 -
Pope Francis showing "gradual, slight improvement," Vatican says
The Vatican said Pope Francis is showing "gradual, slight improvement." The 88-year-old has been in the hospital for 23 days, battling double pneumonia.CBS News - Mar. 8 -
Vatican says Pope Francis no longer needs mechanical help to breathe
Pope Francis’s condition has continued to improve and he no longer needs to use noninvasive mechanical ventilation to help him breathe at nightABC News - 51m -
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 - 2d -
Italian postal service sees surge in mail for Pope Francis, much sent from children
The Italian postal service has seen a huge increase in mail addressed to Pope Francis since his Feb. 14 hospitalizationABC News - 1h -
Vatican seeks to debunk fake news on health of Pope Francis
Since pontiff was hospitalised conspiracy theories have swirled online claiming he has died. While Pope Francis was being treated for double pneumonia, Italian TikToker Ottavo made his way ...The Guardian - Mar. 11 -
Pope Francis marks 12th anniversary of his papacy hospitalized but with his condition improving
Pope Francis marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy Thursday with increasingly positive medical updates four weeks into his hospitalization for double pneumonia.NBC News - 6d -
Pope works on signature reform from hospital as recovery continues
Pope Francis entered the fifth week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia on Saturday.CBS News - 4d -
Pope Francis Projects a Lonely Moral Voice in a New World of Politics and Trump
The pope has emerged as an increasingly lonely moral voice against perilous global trends like nationalism and populism.The New York Times - 6d -
Pope thanks volunteers for "miracle of tenderness" they offer the sick
Pope Francis issued a message thanking volunteers for the "miracle of tenderness" they offer the sick as he continues to recover from double pneumonia.CBS News - Mar. 9 -
Pope enters fifth week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia on positive trajectory
Pope Francis has entered the fifth week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia with signs of recovery continuing on a positive trajectoryABC News - 4d -
Francis rests in hospital as Holy Year marches on without him, this weekend dedicated to volunteers
Pope Francis is continuing his recovery from double pneumonia as the Vatican’s Holy Year is proceeding without himABC News - Mar. 8 -
Pope thanks those who care for the sick as he continues to recover in hospital
Francis pays tribute to ‘miracle of tenderness’ after doctors report slight improvement in his condition. Pope Francis has issued a message from his hospital bed thanking medical staff and ...The Guardian - Mar. 9 -
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 - 3d -
Pope Francis responding well to treatment, Vatican says
The 88-year-old prayed on Saturday morning in the chapel of the papal suite at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican said.BBC News - Mar. 8 -
As Pope Francis Ails, Outlandish Rumors Run Wild
Audio, a photo, medical reports: The truth may be out there, but when it comes to the health of the pontiff, many people prefer more fanciful tales.The New York Times - 10h -
As Pope Francis Ails, Outlandish Rumors Run Wild
Audio, a photo, medical reports: The truth may be out there, but when it comes to the health of the pontiff, many people prefer more fanciful tales.The New York Times - 3h -
As Pope Francis Ails, Outlandish Rumors Run Wild
Audio, a photo, medical reports: The truth may be out there, but when it comes to the health of the pontiff, many people prefer more fanciful tales.The New York Times - 3h -
Pope, responding well, rests as Vatican marks another Holy Year event without him
Pope Francis is continuing his recovery from double pneumonia after doctors reported some positive newsABC News - Mar. 9
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