Courtesy of CBS News
Pope Francis remains in critical condition after a respiratory crisis
(PITTSBURGH, PA) PTTP – Pope Francis remains in critical condition as he receives treatment for double pneumonia and a mild renal insufficiency.
Francis currently remains on oxygen therapy, and the case is described as “very serious” even while his red blood count has stabilized. As of Tuesday, Francis’s condition remains “critical but stable.” Francis, 88, has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 following a bout with bronchitis.
This past Monday, roughly 4,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s square to pray and hope for Francis’s recovery and share gratitude for all of his efforts. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s No. 2, led prayers for 45 minutes and issued a more upbeat health bulletin than what has been occurring in recent days.
Many have begun to wonder what the process would be if Francis were to step down on health grounds. On the first day, after official verification of the Pope’s death, mourning will begin, followed by Funeral Rites. After two weeks, the system, known as the Papal Conclave, which has remained unchanged for the last 800 years will commence.
In Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel, 138 Cardinals younger than 80 years old will vote until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. 79% of voting-age cardinals come from areas that are historically underrepresented in Vatican leadership. Due to these geographic factors, for the first time, many cardinals will enter the Conclave with little familiarity with one another, making pre-conclave meetings critical.
Once the voting process has closed, a new Pope is announced and begins duties, followed by an official papal installation ceremony.
Communities remain anxious yet hopeful for the Pope’s outcome. Francis is the 266th pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church, and his death could transform the fortunes of aristocrats, change the direction of a state, or make other significant changes.