Claims emerge that Pope Francis may resign due to health issues: What are the future scenarios in the Vatican?

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, has suffered a respiratory distress crisis and has been placed on a ventilator. It was stated that whether the Pope's condition worsens will be evaluated within the next 24-48 hours. These developments have brought speculation about whether the Pope will step down back to the agenda.

In a statement from the Vatican, it was expressed that Francis was hospitalized due to respiratory distress and placed on a ventilator. The statement, which noted that complications such as vomiting have also occurred, recorded that the Pope's general condition will become clear within the next few days.

The Pope recently spent two weeks in the hospital due to pneumonia. This new health issue has caused concern in the Catholic world. Vatican officials stated that the Pope's condition is being closely monitored and that all necessary precautions are being taken.

POSSIBILITY OF A SECOND RESIGNATION AFTER 600 YEARS

Pope Francis's health problems have reignited a debate that began with the resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, in 2013. Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign from his post in 600 years. Vatican experts stated that they are primarily focused on the Pope overcoming this health crisis.

According to a CNN report, papal biographer Austen Ivereigh stated that the only situation in which Pope Francis would consider resigning would be a long-term illness that prevents him from fully performing his duties. Ivereigh said, 'The Pope would only consider resigning if his health condition prevented him from continuing his duties.'

The papacy is considered a lifelong responsibility. Benedict's resignation changed this tradition. Whether Pope Francis will also leave his post due to health problems has become one of the most discussed topics in the Vatican.

HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LEAD THE ASH WEDNESDAY MASS

The Vatican announced that Francis will not lead next week's Ash Wednesday Mass. It was reported that this would only be the second time this has happened during the Pope's 12-year papacy. A cardinal is expected to lead the Mass.

CNN pointed out that Ash Wednesday is an important religious ceremony marking the beginning of the Lenten season. The report stated that the fact that the Pope will not be able to attend this Mass 'once again reveals the seriousness of his health condition.'

In the event of a pope's death or resignation, a conclave is convened to elect a new pope. Following Benedict's resignation, the conclave process was accelerated and a new pope was elected in a short time. A similar scenario could come to the agenda in the event of Francis's resignation.

News Source: 12punto