Pope Francis' papacy is perhaps entering a "new" and perhaps "final" phase, longtime Vatican expert and author Phil Pullella told Reuters on Sunday, March 23, as the pontiff was discharged from a five-week hospital stay.
The 88-year-old pope made his first public appearance since being hospitalized on February 14 on Sunday, greeting crowds from the balcony of his room at Rome's Gemelli hospital.
His prolonged illness, age and overall health has prompted renewed speculation about the future of his papacy.
Pullella said speculation about a possible resignation has intensified, though Francis previously cautioned against papal resignations becoming a "fashion" after his predecessor, Pope Benedict relinquished office in 2013.
REUTERS / VATICAN MEDIA VIDEO
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