Pope Francis could resign if his health deteriorates further, an Italian cardinal has suggested.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the former head of the Vatican’s department of cultural affairs, raised the possibility as the 88-year-old pontiff spent his sixth day in hospital battling pneumonia in both lungs.

He said the Pope had always been “decisive” and hinted that he might voluntarily step down as head of the Roman Catholic Church if his health restricted his ability to fulfil his duties.

The Cardinal said Pope Francis has a tendency to “fight”, but if he was no longer able to communicate in an “immediate, incisive and decisive way” he may consider resigning.

“I think he could do it because he is a person who is quite decisive in his choices,” said Cardinal Ravasi in an interview with Italian radio network RTL on Thursday.