As Pope Francis’ health deteriorates, the Vatican grapples with growing concerns over the next steps, especially after revelations surfaced that the pontiff discreetly approved a resignation letter in case he ever became unable to fulfill his duties.
The Catholic Church finds itself in a period of uncertainty as Pope Francis, now 88, remains in serious but stable condition after his latest hospitalization. However, focus has shifted back to a document he quietly signed in 2013 — a letter of resignation.
Pope Francis during the Easter Mass at the St. Peter’s Basilica on April 12, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
This letter raises critical questions: What message does it convey? How serious is the Pope’s health? What unfolds if he resigns or passes away? And how is the Vatican preparing for this pivotal event?
Dive deeper for an analysis of his resignation letter, expert medical insights into his condition, and the Church’s anticipated course of action in the coming days.
A woman placing a candle in front of an image of Pope Francis outside the Basilica de Guadalupe, in Mexico City, Mexico, on February 23, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis’ Resignation Letter – A Decision Made 12 Years Ago
As Pope Francis’ health continues to decline, focus has shifted to a crucial document he signed more than ten years ago—his resignation letter. This declaration, meant to take effect if he became incapacitated, marks a rare occurrence in recent papal history.
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Although his recent hospitalization and fragile health have fueled speculation about the letter’s imminent activation, reports suggest that the Pope has acknowledged that “the end of his earthly life is very close,” rendering a formal resignation unnecessary.
Pope Francis arriving to celebrate the mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at St. Peter’s square in Vatican City on February 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
The Vatican has yet to confirm any intentions to activate the resignation letter, but if invoked, it would trigger a carefully orchestrated procedure.
As noted by The Australian’s chief leader writer, Tess Livingstone, the initial actions following a Pope’s resignation or passing would involve destroying his ring and official seal to prevent unauthorized use.
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A nine-day mourning period, called novendiales, would take place, marked by daily masses for the repose of his soul.
However, Pope Francis has chosen to be laid to rest not within the Vatican but in the Basilica of St. Mary Major—a sacred and historic church honoring the Virgin Mary, situated just beyond the Vatican’s walls.
Statues outside The Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
In a December 12, 2023, interview with the Mexican news outlet N+, Pope Francis, appearing in high spirits, candidly spoke about his funeral plans. He shared that he had already consulted with Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, his master of liturgical ceremonies, regarding the arrangements.
Pope Francis photographed with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at Laeken Castle on September 27, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images
“We simplified them quite a bit,” he remarked, then jokingly added, “I will premiere the new ritual.” This choice represents a notable break from tradition.
Traditionally, popes have been laid to rest in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The last pope to deviate from this custom was Leo XIII, who passed away in 1903 and was buried at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
Inside The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Regarding St. Mary Major, six popes have been laid to rest there, though the last was Pope Clement IX in 1669. Pope Francis’ decision stems from a profoundly personal connection.
“It’s my great devotion,” he shared, noting that before his papacy, he made it a tradition to visit the basilica on Sunday mornings whenever he was in Rome.
Pope Francis meets in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on April 18, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
The basilica is home to the esteemed Byzantine-style icon Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the People of Rome), portraying the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus.
Pope Francis has long held a deep devotion to this sacred image, frequently stopping to pray before it upon returning from his travels. His choice of burial outside the Vatican reflects his lifelong commitment to humility and simplicity.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium welcoming Pope Francis at Laeken Castle on September 27, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images
By November 2024, he had refined the funeral rites for his passing, streamlining the ceremonies to emphasize his role as a bishop rather than a figure of grandeur.
The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reported that he approved the updated liturgical book on April 29, replacing the version last revised in 2000.
Pope Francis arriving for his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on May 10, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience at the Paul VI Hall on August 9, 2023, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
If Pope Francis were to pass away, preparations for a potentially historic transition would unfold behind the scenes.
“Around the world, about 200 cardinals would be preparing to fly to Rome,” Livingstone explained.
“I’m quite sure that would be the case. Quite a few—probably around 50—already reside in Rome,” she added.
A conclave, the secret gathering of cardinals tasked with electing a new pope, would then be convened.
Pope Francis presiding over a mass for the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Of these, 138 cardinals under the age of 80 would have voting rights, while older senior cardinals would take part in pre-conclave deliberations. “This time, those discussions are expected to be especially dynamic,” Livingstone remarked.
Given Pope Francis’ track record of appointing cardinals from diverse backgrounds—many of whom are not well acquainted—some believe the upcoming conclave could be especially unpredictable.
Pope Francis delivering his Angelus blessing from the window of his private studio to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on December 13, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
When asked in 2022 if his diverse appointments might complicate the selection process, Pope Francis acknowledged, “Naturally, from a human perspective. But it is the Holy Spirit who guides the process.”
Pope Francis presiding over the Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square, on April 9, 2023, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his worsening health, the 88-year-old pope has remained active from the hospital, reportedly making governmental decisions and approving new appointments.
He has also held meetings with his second-in-command, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Vatican’s chief of staff to discuss the canonization of five new saints.
Pope Francis during a celebration of Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica on December 12, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis has also convened a consistory—a formal assembly of all cardinals—to decide when these saints will be officially canonized.
However, some within the Church, including priests in Rome, suspect that this gathering might have a broader purpose, potentially hinting at major forthcoming changes in the Vatican.
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Speculation about Pope Francis’ potential resignation has lingered, fueled in part by his own past statements. He previously acknowledged that he would consider stepping down if his health severely hindered his ability to carry out his duties, following the example of Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Francis celebrating the mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at St. Peter’s square in Vatican City on February 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
In a 2022 interview, he confirmed that he had taken precautions for such an eventuality. “I have already signed my resignation,” he disclosed, explaining that he entrusted the document to then-Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone.
Pope Francis celebrating New Year’s Day during a mass on World Day of Peace in St. Peter’s Basilica on January 1, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
“I signed it and told him, ‘If I become medically incapacitated or unable to lead for any reason, here is my resignation. It’s in your hands,’” he explained.
When questioned about the letter’s current location, the Pope guessed that Bertone likely handed it over to his successor, Cardinal Parolin.
Pope Francis blessing a baby during his weekly audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 12, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
He is not the first pontiff to make such preparations. “Paul VI also documented his resignation in case of a lasting incapacity,” Pope Francis was reminded during that same interview.
Pope Francis greeting soccer player Dani Alves during the launch of the Scholas Occurrentes International Movement at the Pontifical Urban University on May 19, 2022, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
“That’s correct, and I believe Pius XII did the same,” he replied. However, unlike Pope Benedict XVI, who was the first in nearly 600 years to step down voluntarily, Pope Francis has never explicitly indicated an immediate plan to resign.
Pope Francis meeting Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni at Paul VI Hall on December 7, 2022, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
In recent weeks, the Pope has reportedly been focused on securing his legacy and making crucial final decisions. Vatican insiders say he is increasingly worried about his deteriorating health and is working urgently to resolve unfinished business, especially concerning Church leadership and ongoing reforms.
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According to two sources close to the matter, the Pope has been experiencing intense pain and has privately expressed confidence that he will not recover this time.
In light of this, he has taken steps to ensure the future trajectory of the Church by appointing influential figures to key positions, continuing his progressive agenda despite ongoing ideological divisions within the Vatican.
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Pope Francis during a weekly general audience on February 28, 2024, at Paul-VI hall in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis’ Health Crisis – Critical but Stable
The Holy See Press Office has been consistently releasing updates regarding Pope Francis’ condition after his recent hospitalization. “The Pope had a restful night and is recuperating,” the Vatican reported on Wednesday, February 26.
Pope Francis photographed being helped into a popemobile car on March 29, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Pope Francis leaving the Gemelli Hospital after being discharged following surgery on June 16, 2023, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Medical reports confirm that Pope Francis is in critical but stable condition. “There have been no severe respiratory episodes, and his hemodynamic parameters remain stable,” a statement from the Vatican emphasized.
Pope Francis at a mass for the feast of the Epiphany at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2023 in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images
Still, his overall prognosis remains unclear. The Pope is also undergoing treatment for mild renal insufficiency, which doctors report is currently stable.
Medical experts have analyzed Pope Francis’ condition, including Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, who commented on the seriousness of the situation: “Pneumonia is always a concern for the elderly, and in someone nearing 90, it becomes even more worrisome.”
A screenshot of Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaking down the big concern with Pope Francis’ health from a video dated February 25, 2025. | Source: YouTube/CNN
Dr. Gupta also pointed out the Pope’s history of lung problems, including the removal of part of his lung in his youth, which could complicate his recovery.
“Before his hospitalization on February 14th, we had already noticed some signs of trouble, such as his aides speaking on his behalf. He was struggling to catch his breath well enough to even do that,” the medical expert remarked.
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CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner spoke with CNN’s Jessica Dean to provide further insight into the Pope’s condition, stating, “[…] To me, it seems like he experienced some difficulty maintaining his oxygen levels or breathing properly.”
Additionally, Pope Francis has endured an asthmatic episode alongside pneumonia, placing even more strain on his respiratory system.
“It’s an inflammation of the airways that causes spasms in them. Normally, the air flows in and out of those airways, but with this condition, it becomes a struggle,” Dr. Gupta clarified. The Pope also received a blood transfusion, likely to support his oxygen levels and address any potential clotting concerns.
Tess Livingstone underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating, “He’s 88, suffering from pneumonia in both lungs, and he’s been hospitalized for at least a week with doctors saying he’ll remain there for another. This is certainly very serious.”
Pope Francis at Laeken Castle in Brussels, Belgium, on September 27, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
