Pope Francis, aged 88, has been hospitalized since February 14, 2025, at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, fighting a severe case of double pneumonia that has sparked widespread concern among the faithful and Church leaders. The condition, affecting both lungs, has prompted the Vatican to escalate preparations for a potential transition, with the Swiss Guard reportedly conducting drills to ensure funeral protocols are flawlessly executed if the situation worsens. The pontiff’s fragile health, compounded by recurring respiratory issues, raises doubts about his ability to overcome the infection, while thousands gather in vigils around the hospital. The prospect of a new Conclave is already mobilizing cardinals and igniting discussions about the future of Catholic leadership.
The hospitalization comes at a pivotal moment for the Church, with every medical update closely monitored. Double pneumonia, a serious condition in elderly patients, requires intensive care, and Francis’s medical history—marked by surgeries and prior infections—heightens the stakes. Although the Vatican has not officially confirmed funeral rehearsals, the extension of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s mandate, who would oversee a potential Conclave, suggests meticulous planning. This scenario underscores the urgency of ensuring continuity for an institution guiding over 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
Globally, Francis’s plight resonates deeply. Since taking the papacy in 2013, he has championed a progressive vision, tackling social justice, climate change, and inclusion. His potential departure fuels speculation about his successor and the Church’s direction. Meanwhile, the faithful in Rome and messages from world leaders reflect his vast influence, blending hope for recovery with readiness for what may come.
Pope’s health under scrutiny
Stricken with double pneumonia, Pope Francis faces a critical health challenge at 88. Admitted to Gemelli Hospital, he battles an infection that impairs lung function, a dire situation given his age and past ailments. Over recent years, respiratory troubles, including bronchitis, forced him to scale back public duties, but the current illness stands out as his most severe since becoming Pope. In 2021, he underwent intestinal surgery, followed by a laparotomy in 2023 for an abdominal hernia. Now, aggressive treatment aims to halt the pneumonia’s advance, though doctors remain cautious about his prognosis.
Leading up to this crisis, Francis had already curtailed his schedule. In 2024, frequent respiratory infections led to canceled appearances, including a planned trip to COP28, shelved on medical advice. The diagnosis of double pneumonia in February 2025 marks a turning point, demanding intensive care at Gemelli, a facility with a history of treating pontiffs like John Paul II. The medical team’s efforts focus on stabilizing him, as the Vatican watches with bated breath.
Vatican preparations intensify
With Francis’s condition precarious, the Vatican is bolstering its readiness for a possible succession. The Swiss Guard, tasked with security and ceremonial duties, is reportedly rehearsing funeral protocols, from the official confirmation of death to the tolling of St. Peter’s Basilica bells. These preparations reflect the intricate nature of a papal funeral, requiring seamless coordination between the Holy See and global Catholic leaders.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, aged 91, has had his mandate extended to oversee a potential Conclave, signaling proactive steps. This process would gather cardinals under 80 in the Sistine Chapel, voting in seclusion until a two-thirds majority selects a new Pope. The white smoke, announcing the decision, could soon rise if Francis’s health declines further, highlighting the Church’s efforts to balance hope with practicality.
Timeline of Francis’s health
Pope Francis’s health has faced mounting challenges throughout his pontificate. Key moments include:
- 2013: Elected Pope at 76, with one lung already compromised from youth.
- 2021: Undergoes intestinal surgery for diverticulitis, hospitalized for ten days.
- 2023: Faces laparotomy to repair an abdominal hernia, with post-surgical complications.
- 2024: Cancels engagements due to recurring bronchitis and respiratory infections.
- 2025: Admitted on February 14 with double pneumonia, in critical condition.
This chronology reveals a steady decline, culminating in the current crisis gripping the Vatican.
Rituals in the event of passing
Should Pope Francis succumb to pneumonia, the Vatican will enact centuries-old funeral traditions. The process begins with the cardinal camerlengo confirming death, historically tapping the pontiff’s forehead with a silver hammer. The body is then dressed in liturgical vestments and displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica for public mourning. A funeral Mass, led by the College of Cardinals, draws religious and political figures, followed by burial, typically in the basilica’s crypt.
These rites demand meticulous planning, explaining the Swiss Guard’s drills. The ceremony, both a religious and global event, attracts millions, necessitating flawless execution. While the crypt is customary, Francis could opt for a simpler resting place, as John Paul II did.
Global response to Pope’s critical state
Francis’s hospitalization has galvanized the faithful and world leaders alike. Around Gemelli Hospital, thousands hold vigils with candles and rosaries, praying for his recovery. Political figures, including the presidents of Italy and Argentina—his homeland—have issued statements of support, while bishops worldwide call for prayers. Rome has seen a surge in pilgrims, turning the city into a hub of Catholic solidarity.
Francis’s influence extends beyond faith. Since 2013, his focus on climate, poverty, and human rights has earned him global respect, even among non-Catholics. His potential exit stirs debate about the Church’s role in a divided world, with leaders closely tracking developments.
Challenges of papal succession
If Francis does not recover, the Catholic Church will face a defining moment. The Conclave will decide whether to continue his progressive legacy or shift toward conservatism, a rift long simmering among cardinals. Key challenges include:
- Internal reforms: Francis pushed for financial transparency and inclusion, policies his successor might alter.
- Declining faithful: Regions like Europe and Latin America report fewer Catholics, necessitating renewal efforts.
- Political influence: The Vatican’s diplomatic stance in global conflicts hinges on the next leader.
The successor’s selection could take weeks, with cardinals discreetly weighing candidates as the situation unfolds.
What to expect from a Conclave
A new Pope’s election, if required, will follow strict tradition. Cardinals, housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, will vote in the Sistine Chapel until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Isolation ensures secrecy, with white smoke signaling the outcome. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, despite his advanced age, will oversee this critical phase, ensuring continuity amid uncertainty.
As Francis battles pneumonia, the Vatican remains on edge. Medical teams strive to save him, while the Church prepares for all possibilities, balancing hope with the reality of a potential farewell.
