Pope Francis remains the leader of the Catholic Church despite being hospitalized with a complex lung infection. Current Vatican laws governing papal succession apply only upon death or resignation, leaving questions about authority if the pope cannot lead due to health issues. Francis's condition has reignited discussions on the exercise of papal power and the lack of clarity surrounding transitional norms. While he delegates much of the day-to-day work to officials like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his prolonged hospitalization highlights the uncertainties that could arise in an unexpected situation.
The Vatican does not have specific norms outlining leadership transitions if a pope becomes incapacitated, raising questions about Pope Francis' status while hospitalized.
Francis is still the pope and retains his authority despite being hospitalized, as the Church's rules only address leadership transitions upon death or resignation.
The current situation has revived interest in how papal power is exercised and the implications if Francis were to lose consciousness or resign.
While Pope Francis delegates daily operations to officials like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the uncertainty surrounding his health underscores the need for clarity in leadership succession.
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