Pope Francis’ health has taken a serious downturn, sparking worldwide concern as he battles what is being described as an aggressive flu that has now developed into bilateral pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, is said to be in grave condition, with close confidants reporting that he himself is uncertain whether he will survive this illness.
According to sources within the Vatican, Pope Francis was initially reluctant to seek medical treatment despite suffering from severe respiratory pain. He only agreed to be hospitalized after his advisors warned him that he was at risk of dying if he remained at his Vatican residence. Now, under strict medical supervision at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Francis is receiving cortisone and antibiotic treatments for asthmatic bronchitis. However, his prognosis remains unclear.
The Vatican has officially downplayed concerns about his condition, dismissing media speculation about his potential imminent death as “fake news.” But insiders aren’t so sure. Vatican officials told Politico that Francis is rapidly tying up loose ends, taking urgent steps to prepare for the selection of his successor in case of his passing. One such move was his February 6th decision to unilaterally extend the term of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as dean of the College of Cardinals—a position that holds significant influence in determining the next pope. This action, bypassing the traditional vote by cardinals, underscores the urgency of the situation.
For now, Pope Francis remains bedridden and has canceled several public appearances, including his weekly Sunday Angelus, which he rarely misses. Reports from within Gemelli Hospital indicate that he is being kept in an aseptic environment to reduce the risk of secondary infections, a sign of how fragile his condition has become.
As speculation grows about a potential papal transition, the focus now shifts to who could succeed Francis. With Cardinal Re in place to oversee a future papal conclave, Francis is ensuring that the next pope will likely align with his theological vision rather than reversing his controversial reforms.
Though the Vatican insists Pope Francis isn’t on his deathbed just yet, his age, medical history, and current illness suggest that his time as leader of the Catholic Church may be drawing to a close. Whether he recovers or not, his final moves are already shaping the future of the Church.
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