The pontiff is off the critical list and stable. But his achievements will need to be safeguarded in an inevitable power struggle to comeThe release on Sunday of the first photograph of Pope Francis since his admission to the Gemelli hospital in Rome was an uplifting moment for the world’s 1.3 bi llion Catholics. In a message published by the 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 dynamic papacy, a prolonged period of illness may lead him to contemplate stepping down if he can no longer carry out a pastoral role effectively.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading... ...read more read less