NEW DELHI: Pope Francis, 88, is suffering from double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. His health is severe but stable. His breathing problems worsened, and he was transferred to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14. Despite his illness, he still works from the hospital, making important decisions like granting decrees for new saints.
Papacy and Reforms
Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, has had a profound impact on the world since his election in 2013. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first Jesuit and the first Pope from the Americas. During his tenure as Pope, Francis has sought to address issues like climate change and the suffering of refugees, modernize the Church, and advance social justice.
Health History
He has a history of health issues, including respiratory, joint, and intestinal problems. He had part of a lung removed when he was 21 due to pleurisy, making him particularly prone to lung infections. Over the past few years, he has undergone several medical procedures, including surgery for diverticulitis and treatment for knee problems. The Vatican has described his infection as complex, caused by multiple microorganisms. He remains on oxygen therapy and is under close observation.
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Nostradamus’ Predictions and Potential Successors
Nostradamus, the 16th-century French astrologer, is believed by some to have predicted the death of an elderly Pope and the election of a successor. His cryptic writings have been linked to various historical events, and some see parallels between his prophecies and Pope Francis’ current condition.
Another prophecy by Saint Malachy suggests that Pope Francis’ successor may be the last Pope before a major upheaval.ย
As speculation about Pope Francis’ successor grows, several prominent cardinals are considered potential candidates. These include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vaticanโs Secretary of State; Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana; and Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines.
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Papal Conclave
The election of a new Pope follows a centuries-old process known as the Papal Conclave. When a Pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals gathers in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new leader. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. The process involves multiple rounds of voting until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. White smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney signals the election.
Pope Francis’ reign has been characterized by his humility, focus on the marginalized, and efforts to reform the Church. As the world watches his health closely, the potential transition to new leadership marks a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church. Whether Nostradamus’ predictions hold any truth remains to be seen, but the impact of Pope Francis’ papacy will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
