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The leadership of the Catholic Church is well-defined when a pope dies or resigns, but what happens if a pope becomes sick or incapacitated? Pope Francis is currently hospitalized with a serious lung infection, raising questions about what happens if he is unable to govern.
Who Runs the Vatican in Pope Francis’ Absence?
Even though Pope Francis is in critical condition, he remains in charge. However, the Vatican’s daily operations continue under the leadership of Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and other officials. The Vatican Curia ensures that all functions, including preparations for the 2025 Holy Year celebrations, proceed as planned.
Canon Law and the Challenge of an Incapacitated Pope
Canon law provides clear guidelines when a bishop is unable to govern, but no such rules exist for a pope. Canon 412 states that a diocese is considered “impeded” if a bishop is unable to perform his duties due to exile, captivity, or illness. However, there is no clear definition of what happens if the pope becomes completely incapacitated.
Efforts to Address the Legislative Gap
In 2021, a group of canon lawyers proposed new norms to address this issue. Their proposal suggests forming a medical committee to determine if a pope is permanently unable to govern. If confirmed, the College of Cardinals would declare the papal seat vacant and initiate the process of electing a new pope.
Did Pope Francis Prepare for This?
Pope Francis revealed in 2022 that he had written a letter of resignation in case he became medically incapacitated. The letter was given to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, though its exact contents remain unknown. It is unclear whether such a letter would be legally valid under canon law, which requires a resignation to be "freely and properly manifested."
What Happens When a Pope Dies or Resigns?
When a pope dies or resigns, the camerlengo (chamberlain) temporarily oversees the Vatican's administration. The College of Cardinals organizes a conclave to elect a new pope. However, if a pope is sick but still alive, these protocols do not apply. Pope Francis recently extended the terms of key Vatican officials, ensuring continuity in governance.
Conclusion
Pope Francis' hospitalization highlights the need for clear rules regarding papal incapacity. While he remains in charge, discussions continue on how the Vatican should handle such situations in the future.
