Pope Francis 'convinced he will die'... Claims of 'lobbying for papal election': Political struggle begins in the Vatican

Compiled by: Suat TEKİN - 12punto.com.tr

The Pope was admitted to a private ward at Gemelli Hospital in Rome earlier this month due to a respiratory infection. Since he began treatment, all of the Pope's scheduled public masses have been cancelled. It has been claimed that Pope Francis, who was hospitalized due to shortness of breath, is worried that he 'will not survive' after contracting pneumonia. The 88-year-old Pope Francis had lung surgery following an illness he suffered in his youth. During that surgery, a portion of Francis's lung was removed. In its latest update on the Pope's health, the Holy See, the papal press office, stated that Francis has a 'clinical picture that appears increasingly complex.' The statement noted that the pneumonia has turned into a polymicrobial infection. It is alleged that following the progression of his illness, Pope Francis is working to ensure the Vatican does not 'stray from its path' after his death.

Doctors at Gemelli have prevented the Pope from delivering his Sunday Angelus prayer. Francis has rarely missed these prayers since being hospitalized. Sources close to the Pope reported that Francis felt 'deep sadness' upon being prevented from delivering the prayer. Sources stated that the Pope is now acting entirely 'in accordance with the doctors' orders.'

According to a report by Politico, officials speaking on condition of anonymity emphasized that the Pope initially avoided going to the hospital. According to the sources' claims, Pope Francis agreed to go to the hospital only after it was stated in no uncertain terms that he was at risk of dying if he remained in his room at the Vatican.

Two officials close to the Pope said that Francis is in intense pain and is convinced that he will not survive this time.

PREPARING FOR THE PAPAL ELECTION

Before being hospitalized on February 6, Francis extended the term of Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as Dean of the College of Cardinals. The Dean will oversee preparations for the 'conclave' meeting where the new Pope is elected. Under normal circumstances, the Dean was chosen by a vote of the cardinals. This move, which controversially bypassed the vote for the Dean, was intended to ensure that the papal election proceeds in accordance with Francis's wishes, according to papal sources.

It was known that Re, who has served in the Vatican for a long time, was too old to participate in the meeting. Following Francis's appointment, Re has become a significant figure in the discussions (lobbying activities) that frequently take place behind closed doors before the meeting.

One of the sources commented on Francis's choice of Re as dean with the following words:

'The choice he made shows that he wants to keep a friendly face in this role who will defend his legacy. The period before the conclave is more important than the vote because that is where the lobbying activities take place.'

POPE JOKES ABOUT HIS DEATH

Before the 2013 meeting where he himself was elected pope, it was alleged that Francis benefited from the influence of a group of cardinals who, despite being too old to attend the meeting, still had a say in the outcome. Due to his new position, Re will also preside over the funeral ceremony in the event of Francis's death. Sources reported that while on his sickbed, the Pope made a joke, saying that 'Re would treat him more kindly than the other candidates.'

Before his health deteriorated, Francis was going through a 'sensitive' period politically. Earlier this month, a dispute broke out between US Vice President JD Vance and Pope Francis. The Papacy criticized Vance for using religious rhetoric to legitimize anti-immigrant sentiment. The Papacy's reaction caused anger in the White House. The US press suggested that the election to be held in the event of the Pope's death could become 'politicized.'

Referring to the Trump administration, one of the sources said, 'They have already influenced European politics; they would have no problem influencing the council meeting. They might be looking for someone less confrontational.'

The Vatican press office declined to comment on the Politico report.

News Source: 12punto