Leading While Healing: Pope Francis Meets Vatican No. 2, Makes Major Decisions- wna24
Francis has previously stated that if he were to step down, he would live in Rome outside the Vatican and adopt the title “Emeritus Bishop of Rome”. | Image:
AP
Rome: Pope Francis, despite being hospitalised in critical condition with double pneumonia, met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to approve key decrees for potential saints and make significant governing decisions. The audience underscored that Vatican operations continue, even as doctors caution that the 88-year-old pontiff’s prognosis remains guarded.
This marked Francis’ first known meeting with Parolin, who serves as the Vatican’s de facto prime minister, since his hospitalization on February 14. During their discussion, the Pope approved decrees for two individuals to be declared saints and five for beatification, the first step toward sainthood. Additionally, he decided to convene a consistory—a formal gathering of cardinals—to discuss future canonizations, signalling a forward-looking approach despite his health struggles.
Speculation on Possible Resignation
The decision to convene a consistory carries historical significance, as it was during a similar meeting in February 2013 that Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation in Latin, citing his inability to keep up with the papacy’s demands. While Francis has acknowledged that he would consider stepping down under similar circumstances, experts remain divided on whether he will follow Benedict’s precedent.
Austen Ivereigh, Francis’ biographer, noted that while the Pope has maintained that the papacy is a lifelong role, he has also suggested that a degenerative condition preventing him from fulfilling his duties could lead to resignation. However, journalist Giovanna Chirri, who famously broke the news of Benedict’s resignation, believes Francis is unlikely to take that step.
Francis has previously stated that if he were to step down, he would live in Rome outside the Vatican and adopt the title “Emeritus Bishop of Rome” rather than “Emeritus Pope,” in an effort to avoid the confusion that arose following Benedict’s retirement. He has also written a resignation letter to be invoked in case of medical incapacity.
Governance Continues from Hospital
Alongside the audience with Parolin, Francis continued overseeing Church matters from his hospital room. The Vatican announced new appointments, including a new archbishop for Vancouver and several bishops in Brazil. Additionally, the Pope made changes to Vatican City State law, empowering Sister Raffaella Petrini—the first woman appointed to lead the city-state—to direct her priestly deputies, effective March 1.
These decisions were likely in progress before Francis’ hospitalization, but Vatican officials confirmed that he has remained active, signing documents and staying engaged in governance. The only non-Vatican official known to have visited the Pope, aside from medical personnel, was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who met him on February 19.