Francis Is in Critical Condition. What Happens When a Pope Dies?

Europe|Francis Is in Critical Condition. What Happens When a Pope Dies?

The Catholic world is gripped with uncertainty as Pope Francis, 88, remains in critical condition in a Rome hospital because of a complex lung infection and other serious ailments.

On Monday, the Vatican said Francis had awakened from a restful sleep and was responding to therapy. It said that cardinals would gather in front of St. Peter’s on Monday evening to lead a rosary for him.

Here’s what we know about his condition, and about how things would go should he die.

Francis’ condition

Francis’ initial respiratory tract infection has developed into pneumonia in both lungs, and other complications have emerged during his hospital stay. He had a respiratory crisis that has resulted in his having to receive high flows of supplemental oxygen. On Sunday, the Vatican announced that he was suffering from “initial, mild kidney failure,” which was “under control.” He is being treated with various drugs, and his doctors have said that calibrating them has been a challenge. A new medical update will be issued on Monday evening.

Given his age and history of lung disease, doctors have been guarded about his prognosis.

Upon death

While Francis’ fate is still unclear, what is more certain are the time-honored rituals that were drafted and refined over the centuries to ensure secrecy and an orderly transition. The carefully choreographed pageantry provides order to a church in its most dramatic moment of flux.

A pope’s death is immediately confirmed by the head of the Vatican’s health department and the cardinal chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, who becomes the Vatican’s de facto administrator. The pope’s body is dressed in a white cassock and brought to the pope’s private chapel.