Resignation talk dismissed
The fragile state of the pope’s health had spurred speculation that he could step down, as his predecessor, Benedict XVI, did.
The current hospitalisation, the longest in Francis’s papacy, has raised questions over who might lead the busy schedule of religious events leading up to Easter, the holiest period in the Christian calendar.
The pope has missed the Angelus prayers, normally recited by the pontiff every Sunday, for five straight weeks, for the first time since his election in March 2013.
The Vatican said earlier Saturday that the pope’s appearance on Sunday would follow the Angelus prayers.
Previously, on Wednesday, the Vatican had said that Francis had suspended his use of an oxygen mask.
For most of the pope’s hospital stay, including critical stages, the Vatican was publishing daily bulletins on the health of Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man.
On Monday, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin told reporters that he had noted an improvement in Francis’ health during a visit.
But asked whether the conversation had turned to the pope’s resignation, he replied: “No, no, no, absolutely not.”
Catholics and others worldwide have been praying for his speedy recovery. Many have been leaving flowers, candles and notes for Francis outside the Gemelli hospital.
