Pope Francis Hospitalized Amid Growing Health Concerns and Potential Succession Battle

ROME — Pope Francis is grappling with serious health issues following his hospitalization for severe bronchitis. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted earlier this month to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he has been diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection, prompting the cancellation of multiple public appearances.

This health scare adds to Francis’ ongoing challenges, as he previously underwent lung surgery as a youth and his condition has deteriorated in recent years. The Holy See press office has released updates on his health, highlighting a ‘complex clinical picture’ regarding his bronchitis.

According to sources close to the situation, Francis has been enduring significant pain and has expressed a grave concern about his health trajectory. “He has shared his uncertainty about making it through this time,” one source noted. On Sunday, his condition worsened as doctors prohibited him from delivering his customary Sunday Angelus sermon — a rare move, as he has often spoken to the public even while hospitalized.

The pope had initially resisted hospitalization but was advised that remaining in the Vatican could be life-threatening. With his health declining over the past month, Francis is now focused on completing critical initiatives and appointing trusted individuals in key positions before any potential change in leadership.

Since ascending to the papacy in 2013, Francis has endeavored to make the Catholic Church more inclusive, actively increasing roles for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. These moves have ignited backlash from conservative factions within the Church, while more liberal members argue the reforms do not go far enough. Francis has also attempted to address the issue of child abuse among clergy, with varying degrees of success.

Before his hospitalization, Francis made significant moves, including extending the term of Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as the dean of the College of Cardinals. This appointment is crucial for overseeing preparations for a future conclave, which elects his successor, should that become necessary. While Cardinal Re is too old to vote in the conclave, he is expected to play a vital role in the discussions leading up to the event.

“The run-up to the conclave is where the lobbying happens,” said one source familiar with Vatican politics. Prior to becoming pope, Francis himself benefitted from a similar group of aging cardinals influencing outcomes behind the scenes.

In a humorous exchange, Francis remarked that Re would likely be “kinder” to him than future candidates should he not recover. However, the Holy See press office has refrained from commenting further on the situation.

As Francis contends with his health, he is also addressing politically sensitive matters. Recently, he publicly rebuked U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of Ordo Amoris, inciting a strong reaction from the White House and raising concerns about a contentious succession battle if the pope were to pass away.

In a notable reform, Francis announced that Sister Raffaella Petrini will become the first woman governor of Vatican City, effective March 1 — an unexpected shift that raised alarms about his health among some Church officials. This move also coincides with Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga’s 80th birthday, which will render him ineligible for the governor’s role.

Even if Francis overcomes this health crisis, many experts believe this may signal a turning point in his papacy, as he transitions from reforming to solidifying his legacy. “He may survive this, but he is still an 88-year-old man contending with lung issues,” observed a Vatican official. “We are all mortal.”