What’s Next for Pope Francis Amid His Failing Health?—3 Possible Outcomes, Explained

Pope Francis' health status has everyone worried about what's coming next. He had been hospitalized in one go, for maybe the longest yet, 14 days after being diagnosed with Pneumonia. The Vatican says that his health is slightly improving. However, doctors have different news. According to reports, his prognosis "remains reserved." A week prior to being hospitalized with bilateral Pneumonia, the Plaintiff suffered from Bronchitis, indicating his declining health with age. Not too long ago, it was also reported that the Swiss guard was seen preparing for his funeral, further sparking concerns among his followers. While it is difficult to confirm what's next for Pope Francis, there are only three possible scenarios as of now.

Is Pope Francis Going To Recover?

The first possible outcome is that the pontiff will recover and return. The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church is known for his fighting spirit. Previously, he had suffered from many health issues but remarkably got well with time. While his followers hoped for the same this time as well, the professionals warned that he was not "out of danger" yet. Although his medical team has not revealed for how long he will be hospitalized, other experts suggest that someone of his age with bilateral Pneumonia could require at least a three-week stay. Even if he recovers, his health condition will prevent him from participating in many activities. "It is hard to imagine Francis resuming his activities at the same pace after such an alarm. There would inevitably be a transition period," an anonymous source from the Vatican commented. It is to be noted that when in June 2023, the pontiff was hospitalized for 10 days for an abdominal operation, he took a hiatus before returning to his work. However, at that time, he had a laid-back schedule as it was summer. This time, it might be different. The pope is scheduled to attend the Easter celebrations in April, followed by Jubilee. 2025 is a special Catholic year of festivities, so the Holy Father is supposed to preside over many main events in Rome. The question now is, even if he recovers, will Pope Francis be able to get back to his commitments right away? Although he doesn't have any formal international trip on the cards, there are plans for a visit to Turkey in May. Given his current health status, it's unlikely that he will be able to travel.

Hundreds of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday evening to pray the Rosary for Pope Francis’ health and recovery. Led by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the initiative, organized by Rome-based cardinals, will continue each evening at 9 p.m. pic.twitter.com/gASntFsbcI

— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) February 24, 2025

What If Pope Francis Resigns?

Even if the pope recovers well and good, there's questions about his return. The buzz about his possible resignation is swirling on the internet more than ever now. Marco Politi, an Italian Vatican expert, conveyed to AFP, "If the pope survives, many imagine that he will want to finish the Jubilee year, but that afterwards, when he is 89, he will face the question of whether or not to resign." The pontiff has already called a "consistory" for the proclamation of new saints. The date is yet to be set. In 2013, through such a meeting of cardinals, Francis' predecessor, Benedict XVI, announced his formal resignation. In recent years, however, the pope has expressed his thoughts on papal resignations, stating that it should not "become a fashion." Despite being hospitalized, his keen interest in continuing his activities hints at a different scenario this time. The leader of nearly 1.4 billion Catholica across the globe is less likely to announce his resignation if he survives.

Speculation is growing that Pope Francis may resign after a meeting with senior Vatican officials at his bedside, as the Pontiff remains in critical condition and takes some of the same steps his predecessor took before stepping aside. https://t.co/OF81oZXOfr #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/fzFIBgUPC4

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) February 26, 2025 

Is the Vatican Preparing For A Tragedy?

And what if Pope Francis doesn't survive? Should he die, Irish-American Bishop Kevin Farrell, will take over the day-to-day affairs of the Church as Cardinal Camerlengo, until a new pontiff is appointed. He will not have papal powers but will be managing the administrative issues. Pope Francis has already chosen his burial site, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, in Central Rome. Unlike his predecessors, he doesn't desire to rest in the grottos of the Vatican. Farrell would be one to meet with Cardinals and decide when the pontiff's body would be in a displayed state. He will also look after the burial process, which is supposed to take place within the fourth or sixth day after Francis' passing. Between 15 and 20 days after his death, Cardinals would gather in the Sistine Chapel and elect a new pontiff through meetings called conclaves. Among the 138 current cardinal electors, those under the age of 80, would be able to vote to choose the next pope.