Catholic’s Pope Francis won’t quit despite resignation rumours as Vatican names Ash Wednesday replacement
Published on March 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM by Edgar Naitha
Pope Francis has no plans to step down despite recent health concerns, according to his friend and biographer, Argentine journalist Elisabetta Pique. She dismissed speculation about his resignation, even as reports suggest some cardinals are openly discussing potential successors, Mail Online reports.
The Vatican has announced that Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a former vicar of Rome, will take the Pope’s place for the Ash Wednesday service, which marks the beginning of Lent with a traditional procession in Rome.
Concerns over Pope Francis’ health grew after the Vatican revealed he had suffered two new episodes of respiratory failure, requiring medical intervention.
“Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” the Vatican’s statement read.
“Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions.
“In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times.
“The prognosis remains guarded.”
The 88-year-old Pontiff was first admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs, raising global concern.
