The Pope is in the hospital – what should Catholics expect?

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is renowned for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and drive for reforms.

However, recent news has shaken the Vatican and millions of Catholics worldwide—Pope Francis has been hospitalized in critical condition, battling bilateral pneumonia and early-stage kidney failure.

As the world prays for his recovery, many are asking: Who was Pope Francis outside of his public persona? What will happen if he can no longer fulfill his duties? And how has the Church dealt with similar situations in the past? Let’s explore his biography, the process of electing a new Pope, and the historical figures who shaped the legacy of the Vatican.

Pope Francis: Born to Immigrant Parents and Interested in Chemistry

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the son of Italian immigrants and grew up in a modest family. In his youth, Bergoglio studied chemistry and worked as a technician before deciding to become a priest. He joined the Jesuit Order (a male religious order of the Roman Catholic Church founded in 1534 by Ignatius of Loyola and approved by Pope Paul III in 1540). The principles of the Order are based on strict discipline, a focus on education, and service.

Bergoglio began his spiritual journey with ordination in 1969. By 1998, he became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, gaining recognition for his work with the poor and commitment to social justice. In 2001, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the rank of cardinal. Despite his high position, Bergoglio remained true to the principles of humility: he declined luxurious apartments, preferred public transportation, and continued to engage with ordinary people.

In 2013, following the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected as the first Pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit to hold this position, and the first to take the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. His papacy has been marked by a focus on mercy, environmental protection, and reforming the Vatican’s administration.

Current Health Status of the Pope

In February of this year, Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Clinic in Rome due to complications from pneumonia. His condition is reported as critical, with initial signs of kidney failure confirmed by Vatican representatives. Despite his illness, he remains conscious, signs documents, and even calls the faithful. The Vatican has called on Catholics worldwide to pray for his recovery, and recently, they reported slight improvements in his condition.

Given his age — 88 years — health issues are not surprising, but they raise an important question for the Church: What will happen if he is no longer able to continue his duties?

What Happens if the Pope Resigns?

If Pope Francis resigns or passes away, the Church follows a strictly established process to elect a new pontiff. This process is called the Papal Conclave, during which all cardinals under the age of 80 gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote. The voting continues until one of the candidates receives two-thirds of the votes.

When the cardinals vote for a new Pope, they do so in secrecy within the Sistine Chapel. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned. To inform the world of the results, a special smoke is used:

Black smoke — voting has taken place, but the Pope has not yet been chosen, meaning the cardinals have not reached a consensus.
White smoke — this means a new Pope has been chosen, and his name will soon be announced to the people.

This traditional method of communication has been used for centuries.

Until the new Pope is elected, the administration of the Church is entrusted to the Camerlengo (currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell), who is responsible for administrative matters but cannot enact new laws. If Pope Francis were to resign, as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013, he would receive the title Pope Emeritus and step away from public life.

Historical Examples: Resignations and Papal Transitions

Resignation of a Pope is a rare event, but it has occurred before. The most famous example is Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 due to old age, becoming the first Pope in 600 years to voluntarily leave office. Another case is Pope Celestine V, who resigned in 1294 after only five months in office due to the difficulties of managing the Church.

Sudden deaths of Popes are more common. Pope John Paul I passed away under mysterious circumstances in 1978, just 33 days after being elected, sparking many theories about the cause of his death. Pope John Paul II, one of the most beloved popes of modern times, was a favorite of many for his sincerity and charisma. He displayed deep empathy and a personal connection to everyone, regardless of their religious or national background. John Paul II died in 2005 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His death caused universal mourning, and his successor was Pope Benedict XVI.

Most Significant Popes in History

Throughout the history of the Church, several Popes have left an indelible mark:

Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) (590-604) strengthened the influence of the Church in Europe and created Gregorian chant.
Pope Urban II (1088-1099) initiated the First Crusade.
Pope Leo X (1513-1521) whose policies led to the beginning of the Reformation after excommunicating Martin Luther.
Pope John XXIII (1958-1963) initiated the Second Vatican Council, modernizing the Church.
Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) played a key role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and became one of the most traveled pontiffs.

Pope Francis has continued the traditions of these outstanding leaders, preaching inclusivity, defending nature, and caring for the poor. Whether he recovers or passes the baton to a new pontiff, his legacy will remain bright.

Pope Francis has transformed the Catholic Church, bringing a spirit of love and reform. While his health remains uncertain, the world watches with concern, preparing for potential changes in the Vatican. Regardless of the outcome, his influence will be felt for many years to come.