“I May Not Survive This Time”: Pope Tells Trusted Aides Before He was Taken to Hospital
- Pope Francis was hospitalised with pneumonia last week after doctors warned him that he was at risk of dying if he stayed at the Vatican
- The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment for a 'complex' respiratory infection and has confided in close aides that he "might not make it this time"
- Vatican analyst, Andrea Gagliarducci, believes Pope Francis' health struggles won't significantly impact papal succession decisions
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Rome, Italy – Pope Francis has confided in close aides that he may not survive a recent case of pneumonia that led to his hospitalisation last week.
According to a new report, doctors warned the 88-year-old pontiff that he was at risk of dying if he remained at the Vatican.
Source: Getty Images
Consequently, he was rushed to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 21 with significant chest pain, having resisted calls to leave the Vatican for days.
Diagnosis and medical concerns
Doctors diagnosed Pope Francis with a 'complex' respiratory infection, which includes asthmatic bronchitis, necessitating the use of cortisone antibiotic treatment.
The Vatican confirmed the pneumonia on February 17, stating, "Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture."
The infection is particularly concerning because the Pope had part of his lung removed many years ago.
Legacy and succession plans
Two people close to the pontiff claimed that Francis told them he "might not make it this time," according to a report by Politico.
In light of his limited time, the Pope has moved to 'tie up loose ends' and ensure the continuation of his legacy at a politically sensitive time for the Catholic Church.
One significant move was extending the term of Italian cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as dean of the College of Cardinals, controversially sidestepping a vote on the position.
Although Re is too old to participate in the conclave, insiders said he would influence the lobbying and political jockeying that occurs ahead of the meeting.
Source: Getty Images
Historic appointment and political climate
Last weekend, Pope Francis appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini as the first-ever female governor of Vatican City ahead of schedule.
Insiders warn that the next conclave could be highly politicised, with Francis having issued a stinging condemnation of the Trump administration's migration policy.
Pope Francis' health struggles unlikely to impact succession
Pope Francis' recent health struggles and decisions, such as extending Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re's tenure, are unlikely to have a significant impact on the next papal succession, according to Vatican analyst, Andrea Gagliarducci.
Gagliarducci, who is also a contributor to the National Catholic Register, told Legit.ng exclusively:
"I really don't think there is gonna be a real impact on the Pope's succession. By prerogating Cardinal Re, Pope Francis just secured that the dean will stay the same and that cardinals will not choose a dean he would not approve of."
The Italian journalist noted that Cardinal Re's role is limited to managing pre-conclave operations, and as he is over 80, he will not be able to participate in the conclave.
As he aptly put it:
"Re only manages the pre-conclave operations, he is more than 80 and he can't enter the conclave. And the conclave is however different, things change quickly in the conclave."
Regarding the Pope's health, Gagliarducci believes it may only have an impact on discussions among cardinals.
"The more the Pope is sick, the more cardinals discuss a succession. But again, in the conclave things might change. We need to wait and see," the vaticanologist concluded.
Pope Francis in critical condition
Legit.ng earlier reported that Pope Francis was in critical condition after experiencing an asthmatic respiratory crisis, the Vatican confirmed.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalised for over a week due to a respiratory infection, was later diagnosed with pneumonia.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a Vatican analyst for this report.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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