Pope Francis Hospitalized with Respiratory Infection, Cancels Weekend Engagements
Vatican City, February 18, 2023 – The Vatican announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis’s scheduled commitments for the weekend have been canceled, marking the fifth day of the 88-year-old pontiff’s hospitalization for a respiratory infection.
"Due to the Holy Father’s health condition, the Jubilee Audience on Saturday, February 22, is canceled," and Francis will not be able to preside over Sunday Mass, the Holy See stated in a communique.
On Monday, the Vatican had reported that the Pope was suffering from a "microbiotic infection of the respiratory tract" and exhibited a "complex clinical picture," suggesting that his hospitalization would likely extend until at least Wednesday, the day of his general audience, which has also been canceled.
The Vatican clarified on Monday evening that the Pope’s condition was stable and that he was not experiencing fever, adding that Francis had worked throughout the morning. A new health bulletin is expected to be released on Tuesday at noon.
Pope Francis’s Health Concerns
In recent years, the Pope has experienced several health issues, including hip problems, knee pain, surgeries, and respiratory infections. This latest hospitalization, the fourth in less than four years, has however reignited concerns about his frail health, particularly as it comes at the beginning of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year, marked by a long calendar of events, many of which are presided over by the Pope.
Most recently, he appeared in mid-January with his arm in a sling, immobilized after a fall at his residence. In December, he was seen with a large hematoma on his lower chin after bumping into his night table.
Despite these repeated health alerts, Jorge Bergoglio, who uses a wheelchair to get around, maintains a busy schedule and has stated that he has no intention of slowing down.
Speculations about Papal Succession
The Pope’s hospitalization has inevitably led to speculations about a possible papal succession. While the 88-year-old Francis has not given any indication that he intends to resign, the recent health issues have raised questions about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church effectively.
Several potential successors have been mentioned in the media, including the current Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Mario Delpini. However, it is important to note that any papal succession would be a decision made by the College of Cardinals in the event of Francis’s retirement or death.
Impact on Church Events
The Pope’s absence from scheduled events will undoubtedly affect the Church’s calendar. The Jubilee year, which began on December 8, 2022, and will continue until December 8, 2023, includes a series of important liturgical celebrations and events.
Many of these events were expected to be presided over by the Pope, and his hospitalization will necessitate adjustments to the schedule. The Vatican has not yet released details on how these events will be managed in Francis’s absence.
Conclusion
Pope Francis’s hospitalization has raised concerns about his health and the future of the Catholic Church. While the Vatican has emphasized that his condition is stable, the Pope’s repeated health issues have highlighted the challenges of leading the Church in his advanced years. Speculations about a possible papal succession are inevitable, but any such decision would ultimately be made by the College of Cardinals. The impact of the Pope’s absence on the Church’s calendar remains to be determined, but it is clear that his health will continue to be closely monitored and that his recovery is paramount for the Church as it enters the Jubilee year.
