Pope Francis’ Critical Condition Sees Global Media Outlets Preparing to Descend Upon Rome

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As I prepare to set foot in the Eternal City, my heart is heavy with anticipation. Rumors of Pope Francis’s critical health situation have sent shockwaves through the globe, and now, the world’s leading media outlets – CNN, CBS, NBC, and more – are poised to flock to Rome and Vatican City. I can’t help but wonder what the future holds for this extraordinary spiritual leader and the millions who look up to him with unwavering faith.

The necessary preparations for securing terrace spaces for optimal camera views of St. Peter’s Square during a papal funeral, an occasion attended by many global leaders, high-ranking clergy, and ordinary believers, have been finalized according to multiple reports. Now, top journalists are reserving their flight tickets to attend the event. The pope’s funeral is traditionally followed within two to three weeks by a confidential conclave, where cardinals from around the globe assemble in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, who is currently battling double lung pneumonia and the initial stages of kidney issues, has spent 11 consecutive days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital – marking his longest stay in a hospital since becoming the pontiff.

On Monday, the Vatican’s official communication team announced that the Pope had a peaceful night, slept soundly, and is currently taking rest. However, they added that the Pope’s health status remains serious, as he hasn’t faced any breathing problems since early Saturday morning.

Due to Francis’ serious health situation, there’s been much discussion about potential outcomes should he be incapacitated, as well as the possibility that he may step down if he can no longer govern, mirroring Pope Benedict XVI’s actions.

In a 2022 interview with ABC (Spanish newspaper), Francis disclosed that he submitted his resignation letter to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state, approximately six months after he was elected as the papacy in March 2013. However, Pietro Parolin, the current Vatican secretary of state, stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera (Italian newspaper) on Saturday that all such speculations appear to be baseless. Instead, his main concern currently is focused on the Holy Father’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican – these are the only matters of importance at this time.

During the screening of the movie “Conclave”, which was awarded the SAG Award for best film ensemble on Sunday, the cast took a brief moment to extend their well-wishes to Pope Francis. Isabella Rossellini, one of the stars, expressed, “We’d like to express our hopes for a speedy recovery for Pope Francis first,” before presenting a compilation from the movie.

Furthermore, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, affirmed that Catholic believers stood together by the deathbed of their father on Sunday.

Pope Francis’ health is extremely weak, and it seems he may be nearing the end of his life,” Dolan stated from the podium at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as reported by several news outlets. Later, when speaking to reporters, Dolan expressed hope and prayer that Francis would make a recovery.

As I stand in awe of the grandeur of the Vatican, I find myself caught in the midst of an unprecedented health challenge unfolding right at the brink of its Holy Year. This year, marked by the once-every-25-years Jubilee celebration, is anticipated to welcome approximately 30 million Catholic pilgrims to Rome.

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2025-02-24 19:47