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‘I’m still alive’: Pope Francis’ health woes fuel critics eyeing new head of Catholic Church
- His increasing health issues over the past year spark concern, including speculation that he might retire rather than stay in the job for life
- He will preside over Palm Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square, the start of a busy week of events leading up to Easter
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![Pope Francis’ hospitalisation was his second since 2021, when he underwent colon surgery. Photo: EPA-EFE](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2023/04/01/29d90a5c-eea0-4564-b148-a5e0c05fcfd6_e25d1567.jpg?itok=Ph2FfOvO&v=1680341265)
Pope Francis’ unexpected hospitalisation this week raised fresh questions over his future, providing fuel for critics hungry for a new head of the Catholic Church, experts say.
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Traditionalists have openly challenged the Argentine pontiff, who is considered by some Catholics to be undermining key doctrinal teachings with his liberal leanings and push for a more compassionate church.
Francis has reached out to gay believers, famously saying “Who am I to judge?” and has allowed divorced and remarried believers to receive communion in some cases.
His illness has “given more oxygen” to those seeking to portray him as weak or those who hope he will follow his predecessor Benedict XVI and resign, Robert Mickens, editor of the French Catholic newspaper La Croix International, told AFP.
![The 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli hospital on March 29 after suffering from breathing difficulties. Photo: AFP The 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli hospital on March 29 after suffering from breathing difficulties. Photo: AFP](https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2023/04/01/12fda6de-6a21-4b25-8c3d-ce4cf213e1b3_9bab5374.jpg)
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