Pope Francis calls cardinals' meeting amid health concerns
Pope Francis plans to convene a consistory, which is a meeting of cardinals, at the Vatican. There would be nothing unusual about this, except for the Pope's current health condition. The media remind us that during a similar event, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation 12 years ago.
The German agency KNA reports that the Pope intends to gather all cardinals for this meeting. He reportedly informed the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and his deputy, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, about this during a meeting in the hospital.
The date for the meeting has not yet been set.
The consistory is being called due to the canonization of saints, a tradition that continues in the Vatican. Typically, this would be a routine event, but it is notable because of the recent decline in Pope Francis's health. The media remind us that Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation on February 11, 2013, also during a consistory convened for the same purpose.
The hierarchs, when asked about the potential for Francis's resignation, are not taking a clear stance. The Archbishop of Marseille, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, stated that "everything is possible." Meanwhile, Cardinal Gianmarco Ravasi mentioned in an interview with Corriere della Sera that if Francis struggles to perform his duties, he would likely make such a decision. However, he doubts it will happen this year due to the Jubilee Year being celebrated by the Church.
Francis in the hospital
Journalists at the Vatican were informed that Francis spent Tuesday night calmly and is spending the day in an armchair.
The results of the CT scan conducted on Tuesday to monitor bilateral pneumonia are likely to be presented in the evening medical bulletin.
The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14, initially diagnosed with bronchitis. It is now reported to be bilateral pneumonia. He has never been hospitalized for this long before. Doctors describe his condition as critical but stable.
At 3 PM Eastern Time, a prayer for the Pope's health will be led at St. Peter's Square by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Sources: KNA/PAP
