A commentator has claimed the and are trying to quell speculation about his condition with their constant updates.
Comparing the situation to ‘s cancer battle Caroline Farrow said: “I think they want to get on top of the rumour mill, really.
“Because we know we live in a 24/7 information age (and) when there’s a vacuum of information, as we saw with the Princess of Wales last year, (there were) all kinds of outrageous rumours swelling when she didn’t, or circulating even when she when she hadn’t, announced that she had cancer.
“I think part of this is the Vatican trying to take control of the information, and quell the rumours while at the same time letting Catholics know what’s happening in order that they can be informed.”
Her remarks came after it was announced that not only will the Pontiff not lead the Angleus today (March 2), which is the traditional Sunday blessing in St Peter’s Square, but he also won’t be leading the prayers for Ash Wednesday this year.
Pope Francs remains in hospital where he has been since February 14 (Image: Getty)
“No one wants to be a harbinger of doom but I think, at the same time, we need to be realistic, because… the Pope is 88=-years-old – he’s coming up for 89.
“He’s got double pneumonia, and of course, he’s got part of one of his lungs missing. So I think if it was one of our elderly relatives in hospital we would ourselvesbe thinking, ‘oh gosh, what’s going to happen.’
“I think we need to be realistic, as the Vatican themselves are being realistic They’re giving all these updates, and I think it’s partly to reassure the faithful, to say he’s not in any pain and he is alert.
“Things seem to be fine for now, but they’re feeling reserved about the overall outlook, because, as you say, it’s his age, we generally don’t know what’s going to happen,” she pointed out.
“I may end up eating my words…but I think this is all about trying to quell speculation about whether or not, there’ll be a resignation,” she said.
Pope Francis has missed the last three Sunday Angleus and this will be the second time he has missed Ash Wednesday prayers in his almost 12 years as Pontiff.
The last time he didn’t participate in Ash Wednesday was 2022 when he had knee problems. The service marks the beginning of Lent and is a huge part of the run up to Easter whch is one of the most important dtes in the Catholic calendar.
The update came after following a coughing fit in which he inhaled vomit that needed to be extracted.