Pope Francis is in a critical condition, with last week's blood reports showing early signs of kidney failure.&nbsp;
On February 22, the Vatican announced that the 88-year-old Pope requires oxygen supplements and blood transfusions. Yesterday, he was unable to appear in public on Sunday, February 23, marking the second consecutive Sunday he could not lead the mass.
The Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing shortness of breath for several days. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. 
Today&rsquo;s reports further raise concerns about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church.
Uncertainty Over Leadership in Case of Incapacity
While the Catholic Church has well-established procedures for electing a new Pope following a resignation or death, there is no formal process for handling a situation where a sitting Pope is seriously ill, unconscious, or otherwise incapacitated. Unlike secular governments, where temporary leadership transfers exist, the papacy does not have a mechanism for delegating authority in such cases. Until a Pope formally resigns or passes away, he retains full control, even if unable to exercise his responsibilities effectively.
Discussions have emerged within the Vatican on how to proceed if Pope Francis&mdash;the 266th to hold the office&mdash;remains unable to fulfill his duties. While key Vatican officials, such as the Secretary of State and senior cardinals, may oversee daily operations, they lack the authority to make major doctrinal or administrative decisions without the Pope&rsquo;s direct involvement.
Possible Resignation?
Pope Francis has previously stated that he would consider stepping down if he felt unable to lead effectively. The 10-day mark of his hospitalization matches the duration of his 2021 hospital stay for colon surgery, fueling speculation about a possible resignation. If his condition worsens or becomes chronic, he may choose to step down, leading to the election of a new Pope by the College of Cardinals.
What Happens if Pope Francis Passes Away?
If Pope Francis passes away, the Vatican will follow long-standing traditions for selecting his successor. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, will be responsible for officially confirming the Pope&rsquo;s death. In keeping with tradition, Farrell would visit the Pope&rsquo;s body in his private chapel, call out his baptismal name, and, upon no response, oversee the destruction of the Pope&rsquo;s ring&mdash;symbolizing the end of his reign.
A nine-day mourning period known as Novendiale will follow, during which the Pope&rsquo;s body will be displayed in St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica for public viewing. The Vatican would enter a transition period called sede vacante (&ldquo;vacant seat&rdquo;), with the College of Cardinals assuming temporary control.
The Pope&rsquo;s funeral will take place in St Peter&rsquo;s Square within four to six days of his passing, led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re. While Popes are traditionally buried in the Vatican Grottoes, Francis has expressed a desire to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, making him the first Pope in a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
Election of a New Pope
Two to three weeks after the Pope&rsquo;s burial, the College of Cardinals will convene a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope. Only cardinals under 80 years old can vote, casting their ballots in secret. If no candidate receives the necessary two-thirds majority, additional rounds of voting are held. Once a new Pope is elected, white smoke will be released from the Sistine Chapel chimney, and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DUl90lMMCw">announcement &ldquo;Habemus Papam&rdquo; (&ldquo;We have a Pope&rdquo;) will be made from St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica</a>.
Potential Successors
If Pope Francis steps down or passes away, several cardinals are seen as frontrunners:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Vatican&rsquo;s Secretary of State, a moderate who may continue Francis&rsquo;s legacy.
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Congo): A conservative who opposes Francis&rsquo;s liberal policies.
- Cardinal Wim Eijk (Netherlands): A staunch conservative and former doctor.
- Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary): A traditionalist opposed to reforms on divorce and remarriage.
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle(Philippines): A progressive voice advocating for marginalized communities.
- Cardinal Raymond Burke (USA): A critic of Francis, supporting traditional liturgy and conservative theology.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): A Francis ally involved in Vatican peace efforts.
A Need for Clearer Protocols?
Pope Francis&rsquo;s critical illness underscores a significant gap in the Vatican&rsquo;s governance structure. While the church has detailed procedures for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2JU284J73U">papal resignation</a> or death, there is no protocol for prolonged incapacity. Some church leaders have suggested reforms to allow temporary leadership transfers or formal guidelines for when a Pope can no longer fulfill his duties.
For now, Pope Francis remains the leader of the Catholic Church, but his health will determine whether he continues in his role or follows in Benedict XVI&rsquo;s footsteps by resigning.

Pope Francis pays his respects to the Throne of St Peter (File Photo)

With Pope Francis critically ill, the Vatican faces uncertainty over leadership transition

What Happens if the Pope Can’t Lead the Church?

With Pope Francis critically ill, the Vatican faces uncertainty over leadership transition

March 2, 2025 | 12:02 IST