Pope Francis faces health battle and succession challenges
As "Politico" writes, Pope Francis is becoming increasingly contemplative about his approaching death, and a potentially highly politicised struggle for succession in the Vatican is anticipated, especially following his recent clash with the US Vice President.
After being hospitalised due to severe bronchitis, Pope Francis has grown increasingly concerned about his health, striving to resolve key issues related to selecting his successor, reports "Politico".
The 88-year-old pope has been battling a respiratory tract infection for over a week. On Friday, he was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he commenced pharmacological treatment for his exacerbated bronchitis.
According to "Politico", the pope initially resisted hospitalisation; however, doctors sternly warned him that remaining in the Vatican apartments could be fatal for him.
On Monday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis's condition is stable, but the bronchitis has developed into a "polymicrobiotic infection" with a "complex clinical picture".
On Tuesday, a statement was issued indicating that the pope will not partake in the Jubilee Year celebrations this coming weekend due to his poor health.
This time he won't be able to recover
According to two sources familiar with the matter, cited by the newspaper, Francis is suffering from severe pain and has privately expressed the belief that "he won’t make it this time". On Sunday, doctors at Gemelli Hospital denied him the opportunity to lead the weekly Angelus prayer, which was a huge blow to him.
"Politico" notes that even before his hospitalisation, Francis extended the term of the Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who is to oversee part of the preparations for a potential conclave. This decision, which controversially bypassed the planned vote by the cardinals on a new dean, aimed to ensure that the process of electing a new pope would proceed according to Francis's intentions, as he wants to safeguard his legacy in this way.
Moreover, it is also Re who will be responsible for leading any potential funeral ceremonies for Francis in the event of his death.
Criticism of the US Vice President
Earlier this month, the pope criticised US Vice President JD Vance, who invoked the theological concept of "Ordo Amoris" (in which the hierarchy of love prioritises family, then neighbours and community, and finally foreigners) as a justification for Donald Trump's migration policy. Francis emphasised that Christian love should not be confined to one's relatives but should embrace everyone without exception.
"Politico" adds that the pope's opposition caused outrage in the White House, increasing the likelihood of a politicised struggle for his successor in the event of his death.
