Italy Peace in Gemelli - unrest in the Vatican
After half a month of Pope Francis' absence, things are becoming increasingly restless in the Vatican. According to official information, the 88-year-old has survived the first period after his latest attack of breathlessness on Friday without any further crises. However, doctors at Rome's Gemelli Hospital remain very cautious with further prognoses due to the severe pneumonia. Speculation about a change at the top of the Catholic church state continues unabated.
02.03.2025, 12:40
SDA
The Vatican is visibly trying to control the rumors of Francis' resignation, following the example of his German predecessor Benedict XVI. The influential Italian Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco warned at the weekend that there was no need to talk about it. "The Church is not a business." Nevertheless, speculation continued - especially as Francis has important appointments coming up in the near future.
Twelve years in office in mid-March - and in hospital?
Next week, it will be twelve years since the Argentinian - whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio - was elected Pope. One month later, Easter week begins with a highlight on Easter Sunday: this is when the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide normally gives the blessing "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the city and the world") from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Francis has never waived this before. What's more, 2025 is also a "Holy Year" with a particularly large number of pilgrims to Rome.
After more than two weeks in Gemelli Hospital, however, there are no signs that the pontiff could be discharged any time soon. The bulletin from the hospital, which is distributed every evening, states with great regularity: "The prognosis remains guarded." It also states that the case is "complex". From a medical point of view, pneumonia with various pathogens at such an advanced age is very critical.
Vatican: Pope "always vigilant and oriented"
In the meantime, the Pope has had two severe bouts of breathlessness. According to official information, he most recently suffered a so-called bronchospasm on Friday: the muscles in his airways cramped up, he seemed unable to breathe and had to vomit. He was then given oxygen mechanically via a mask on his mouth and nose. However, it was emphasized that he was not given artificial respiration at any time.
According to the Vatican, the weekend passed without any new complications until midday on Sunday. Francis was able to stand up, was eating normally and was also "always alert and oriented". In the morning, it was again reported that he had spent a quiet night. However, the Pope had to skip his Sunday prayer in front of tens of thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square for the third time in a row. This has never happened before during his time in office. He wrote from the clinic to thank the faithful for their prayers and wishes for his recovery.
Rosary with thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square again
Unlike previous popes, Francis has given instructions not to make a secret of his state of health. However, he has not been seen in public since his hospitalization. High-ranking cardinals represent him on official occasions. A rosary is now prayed for him every evening in St. Peter's Square with thousands of participants. At the age of 88, he is now the second oldest pope in history.
Despite various appeals from the Curia - the Vatican's power apparatus - there has long been speculation about Francis' successor. Even Cardinal Bagnasco, the long-standing chairman of the Italian Bishops' Conference, was unable to change this. The 82-year-old had warned in the newspaper "La Repubblica": "The Church is not a company. So these thoughts about what will be, what will be done and how simply seem out of place to me."
Speculation with many names
The Vatican's number two, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin (70), is most frequently mentioned in the speculation. Other Italians under discussion are Cardinals Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Matteo Zuppi and Claudio Gugerotti. The last time an Italian headed the Catholic Church was in 1978: John Paul I, who died after just 33 days in office.
However, the large circle of candidates mentioned also includes non-Italians such as Petér Erdö from Hungary, Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg, Wim Eijk from the Netherlands, Jean-Marc Aveline from France, Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, Stephen Chow from Hong Kong and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Congo. Currently, 137 cardinals from all over the world would be eligible to vote in a conclave.
