Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital on Sunday
CNNMAR 21
Pope Francis Leaves Hospital After Five Weeks
Above: Pope Francis leaves the Gemelli Hospital on March 23, 2025, in Rome, Italy. Image copyright: Antonio Masiello/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Pope Francis' declining health condition raises questions about the future of his papacy. Given his age, his recovery could take months, and he will be less present in the coming months. He has already written a resignation letter if he can no longer do so. This could be the end of the pontificate as we have known it until now.
Narrative B
Though the Pope has been in hospital for weeks, he has been able to stay in control of the Church. From the beginning of his papacy, Francis has sought to show himself as an ordinary man — and being candid about his weaknesses does just that. Now that he has left the hospital, he is closer to resume all his normal activities.