Pope Francis in critical condition but confident in recovery, global prayers continue

Pope Francis remained in critical condition on Saturday evening. The Vatican confirmed that the pope is still not out of danger. Pope Francis expressed confidence in his treatment Sunday in a message published in place of his weekly Angelus prayer, as the 88-year-old spent a tenth day in hospital. "I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment -- and rest is also part of the therapy!" he said in the message that Vatican sources said was written in the past few days.

The pope is the successor of the Apostle Peter, the head of the college of bishops, the Vicar of Christ and the pastor of the universal Catholic Church on Earth, according to the church’s in-house canon law. Nothing has changed in his status, role or power since Francis was elected the 266th pope on March 13, 2013. That status is by theological design.

In response, prayers and well-wishes have flooded in from around the world. Additionally, a senior prelate stepped in for Francis to deliver mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, offering prayers for the pope during this difficult time.

While the Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, they do not apply if he is sick or even unconscious. And there are no specific norms outlining what happens to the leadership of the Catholic Church if a pope becomes totally incapacitated.

A resignation or death would lead to a conclave where cardinals would elect a successor. However, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope's secretary of state, dismissed such speculation in an interview with Milan’s Corriere della Sera, stating that the primary focus should be on the pope’s health, recovery, and return to the Vatican.

While Pope Francis has indicated the papacy is a lifelong role, his health issues have raised questions about his ability to continue in the role. Despite enduring a rigorous schedule, including a 12-day trip to the Asia-Pacific last September, the pope’s ongoing health struggles — including colon surgery, a hernia operation, and chronic pain from hip and knee problems — have prompted speculation about the future of his papacy.

Earlier reports confirmed that Pope Francis, admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia, was not out of danger. Doctors had hoped for some improvement on Friday, but those hopes were dashed when his condition worsened. Tests revealed thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count, which led to the need for blood transfusions.

Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vatican's medical doctor, emphasized that Francis' condition is delicate and any small change could worsen his situation. The pope has been using intermittent oxygen, and this is his fourth hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital.

Sunday’s Vatican update confirmed that the pope did not eat breakfast or read the newspapers, a change from earlier in the week. His medical team continues to monitor his condition closely, with virologists and medical experts stressing that the coming hours and days would be crucial in determining his recovery.

Prayers for the pope have poured in worldwide. A group of nuns and priests gathered outside the Gemelli hospital on Saturday, singing and praying for him. Additionally, a senior prelate led mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, offering prayers for Francis, who has been unable to deliver his weekly Angelus prayer from the Gemelli balcony, a tradition he has maintained in previous hospitalizations.

Pope has dealt with multiple surgeries in recent years, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023. Additionally, his chronic hip and knee pain, which often forces him to use a wheelchair, have further complicated his ability to carry out his duties. His recent hospitalization, along with his increasing health challenges, has raised questions about the future of his papacy.