In keeping with two folks accustomed to the matter, Francis has been affected by intense ache and has privately expressed fears that he gained’t make it this time. On Sunday, medical doctors at Gemelli distressed the pope by barring him from delivering his common morning Angelus sermon, which he has not often missed, even when hospitalized, mentioned one of many folks and a 3rd particular person. He’s now performing completely on “medical doctors’ orders,” mentioned considered one of them.
The pope initially resisted going to hospital however was informed in no unsure phrases that he was susceptible to dying if he stayed in his room within the Vatican, the second particular person added.
As his well being has deteriorated during the last month, Francis has additionally moved to finish key initiatives and appoint sympathetic figures to key posts, following a progressive-tinted papacy marked by bitter ideological divisions.
Since he turned pope in 2013, Francis has aimed to make the Church extra inclusive, opening up key roles to girls and LGBT+ folks. Whereas that has provoked livid response from many conservatives, liberals complain that the reforms have been inadequate. In the meantime, the pope’s efforts to place an finish to rampant baby abuse by clerics have produced combined outcomes.
Papal succession shall be political
On Feb. 6, earlier than he was hospitalized, he prolonged the time period of the Italian cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as dean of the School of Cardinals, a task that can oversee some preparations for a possible conclave, the secretive gathering that determines the choice of a brand new pope. The transfer, which controversially sidestepped a scheduled vote on the subsequent dean by prime cardinals, was supposed to make sure that the method performs out based on Francis’s needs, the folks mentioned.
Re, a longtime Vatican operator, is simply too outdated to take part within the conclave himself. However, he shall be a pivotal determine within the behind-closed-doors discussions that usually happen earlier than the conclave. That Francis chosen him as dean as a substitute of a youthful candidate suggests he wished to maintain a pleasant face within the position who would defend his legacy, mentioned one of many folks.
