Article 6W00K The Guardian view on Pope Francis: protecting a progressive legacy | Editorial

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

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Editorial
from US news | The Guardian on (#6W00K)

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 PopeFrancis 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 bythe 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 dynamicpapacy, a prolonged period of illness may leadhim to contemplate stepping down if he can no longer carry out a pastoral role effectively.

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