Vatican City – Pope Francis remains in critical condition for a second consecutive day, battling double pneumonia and mild kidney failure, the Vatican confirmed, as reported by CNN. Though he has not suffered further respiratory crises, his prognosis remains uncertain as he undergoes oxygen therapy and treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The pontiff was once again unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person, marking the second Sunday in a row he has missed the address. He reached out to Catholics worldwide, expressing gratitude for their prayers.
“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me,” Pope Francis stated, according to BBC reports.
Unclear Rules for an Incapacitated Pope
The pope’s worsening health has reignited concerns about leadership succession within the Catholic Church should he become permanently unable to govern. Unlike in the case of death or resignation, there are no explicit legal mechanisms outlining how power would be transferred if the pope were to be incapacitated, according to AP.
While Canon Law includes provisions for when a bishop is unable to govern, it does not apply the same clarity to the papacy. Canon 335 states that no changes should be made to church governance if the Holy See is “entirely impeded,” yet fails to define what that means or how to proceed in such a scenario.
A 2021 proposal by canon lawyers suggested introducing new norms, including forming a medical panel to assess whether a pope is permanently incapacitated. If confirmed, Rome-based cardinals would declare the pope unable to govern, triggering an assembly to determine the next steps.
What Happens if a Pope Resigns or Dies?
In the event of a pope’s death or formal resignation, the Catholic Church follows a structured transition process. The camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, assumes administrative duties, while the College of Cardinals prepares for a conclave to elect a new pope. However, no such procedure applies if a pope is too ill to govern but does not resign.
Vatican Continues Operations Without Direct Papal Oversight
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis remains in office, with Vatican governance continuing under Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, and other top officials. Church operations, including preparations for the 2025 Holy Year, are proceeding as planned.
Pope Francis previously disclosed that he had written a resignation letter in case of permanent incapacity, though its validity under canon law remains unclear. Similar letters were prepared by Pope Paul VI but were never invoked.
For now, the Vatican acknowledges the complexity of the pope’s condition, stating that while he continues treatment, the prognosis remains uncertain. The situation has once again highlighted the lack of clear succession rules for an incapacitated pope, leaving an important issue unresolved.
