Pope Francis is facing a serious health crisis as he battles a severe respiratory infection that has led to hospitalization and forced him to cancel numerous public engagements. The 88-year-old pontiff has been admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where doctors diagnosed him with a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract.” This latest health scare follows a series of challenges for the pope, who has struggled with lung problems for much of his life, having had part of his lung removed in his youth.
According to Politico, sources close to the Vatican have reported that Pope Francis has been suffering from intense pain, and he has privately expressed the belief that he may not survive this illness. “We all die—and he’s an 88-year-old man with lung problems,” a Vatican official told Politico, acknowledging the fragility of the pope’s health. Despite his decline, the Holy See has insisted that the pope’s condition is stable and that he does not have a fever, although his health is being carefully monitored.
LIGHT A PRAYER CANDLE FOR POPE FRANCIS
On Sunday, February 11, doctors informed Pope Francis that he was at significant risk of dying if he remained in his room at the Vatican. As Politico reports, the pope initially resisted going to the hospital, but was ultimately advised to seek medical attention. Since being hospitalized, the pope has complied fully with his doctors’ orders, even canceling his beloved weekly Angelus sermon, which he seldom misses. Politico notes that the pope was distressed by this decision, but has relented and is focusing on his recovery.
As he faces this health crisis, Pope Francis is also preparing for the future of the papacy. Politico reports that the pope is “rushing to tie up loose ends ahead of the battle to succeed him,” as he navigates the critical question of papal succession. One of the key steps the pope has taken is to extend the term of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as dean of the College of Cardinals, ensuring that the process for selecting his successor unfolds according to his wishes. Re, who will not be able to participate in the conclave himself due to his age, will play a pivotal role in the behind-the-scenes discussions that occur before the conclave, where cardinals vote on a new pope.
In addition to Re’s appointment, Pope Francis has moved quickly to push forward his reformist agenda within the Church. One such move, reported by Politico, was the appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini as the first woman governor of Vatican City. Petrini’s term is set to begin on March 1, just after the current governor, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, turns 80 and becomes ineligible for the role.
Despite these advancements in the pope’s leadership, the current health situation has led to speculation about the future of his papacy. As one Vatican official remarked to Politico, “He may not die now but of course he eventually will.” The current health scare, alongside his efforts to ensure that his reforms are maintained after his death, suggests that Pope Francis is preparing the Church for the inevitable transition that comes with the end of his papacy.
The challenges of papal succession are already a topic of great concern within the Church, with Politico citing the political dimensions of the process. Observers have noted that external influences, particularly from political figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, may impact the selection of the next pope. Some suggest that those who supported Francis’ progressive reforms may look to secure a successor who can continue his legacy of inclusivity, particularly with regard to women and LGBT+ people.
As Pope Francis continues to face his health struggles, his legacy remains one of inclusivity, reform, and compassion. His decisions, such as his recent appointments and his commitment to moving forward with key initiatives, demonstrate a papacy focused on making long-term changes within the Church. As his health continues to deteriorate, the Church will undoubtedly look to the future of his succession, ensuring that the changes he championed endure for years to come.
