Pope Francis health has sharply deteriorated, leading to growing concerns about the future of the papacy and the potential succession battle. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling severe respiratory issues, was recently admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican revealed that the Pope has developed double pneumonia, a condition that has raised alarms over his fragile health.
The Pope, who has been suffering from bronchitis for over a week, underwent a chest CT scan on February 14, which confirmed the onset of bilateral pneumonia. This serious condition causes inflammation in both lungs, significantly affecting the ability to breathe. Additionally, Pope Francis is dealing with a “polymicrobial infection,” which is a result of multiple microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, or fungi—causing complications in his body.
Despite the challenging situation, the Vatican has indicated that the Pope is still in good spirits. However, the clinical picture remains complex, and the pontiff is undergoing both corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy, which have made treatment more difficult. As a result, Pope Francis continues to fight for his health but is reportedly privately acknowledging the severity of his condition, with one source revealing that he expressed doubts about surviving this time.
The Pope’s deteriorating health has prompted him to focus on completing key tasks and securing his legacy, knowing the potential impact of his condition on the succession process. In recent weeks, the Pope has taken steps to ensure that he will lead the Vatican with figures aligned with his vision. This includes expediting the appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini as the first woman governor of Vatican City, a move that will take effect on March 1.
Furthermore, the Pope has extended the term of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, to help navigate the crucial preparations for the future conclave. Although Re is too old to participate in the conclave itself, he will play a key role in the behind-the-scenes discussions that often shape the process of selecting a new pope.
For Pope Francis, the ongoing health challenges have been a reality for several years, with issues such as frequent flu infections, sciatica, and an abdominal hernia that required surgery in 2023. These health struggles have raised concerns about the pontiff’s long-term ability to continue in his role as the head of the Catholic Church.Despite the setbacks, the Pope remains committed to his duties and strives to protect his legacy as he faces mounting health challenges.
As the Pope continues his battle with illness, the Vatican and the wider Catholic community are grappling with the inevitable question of succession, as the pontiff’s health remains a critical issue.
