ROME — The presence of the pope in daily Italian life is so substantial that even the conversation surrounding potentially somber subjects, such as his death, is often laced with humor. Expressions like “A pope dies, they make another” reflect the notion that life continues regardless of leadership changes, while another saying reveals the gravity of a papal passing: “Every death of a pope…” indicating its rarity. Among the more frequently mentioned phrases during times of ill health is the darkly humorous “The pope is fine until he’s dead,” which has resurfaced as Pope Francis spends time recovering from pneumonia and a complicated respiratory infection at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The Vatican has been diligent in providing bi-daily updates about Pope Francis’ health, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mentioning they “joked around as usual” during her latest visit. However, amid these updates, a plethora of reports — both accurate and erroneous — about his well-being have begun to circulate, fueled by social media, conspiracy theories, and rumors, particularly concerning the ongoing speculations about the future of the papacy and potential successors.
Adding to the atmosphere of intrigue is the recently released film “Conclave,” which has stirred public interest in the arcane processes and dramatics of electing a new pope. Coupled with the fact that Francis, at 88 years old, is among the oldest sitting popes, discussions of a possible transition have gained traction. While he is currently not at risk of surpassing the age of Pope Leo XIII, who lived to 93, the prospect of Francis resigning due to health concerns has been on his mind, even as he pronounces that a pope’s role is meant to be lifelong.
In times past, Vatican reporters would be preparing for upcoming papal events, but this year, uncertainty looms as they instead reflect upon Francis’ legacy. Giovanni Maria Vian, former editor of L’Osservatore Romano, points out the inherent Roman skepticism surrounding papal health updates, noting the opaque nature of the information often released by the Vatican. No medical team members have publicly addressed the media, and images of Pope Francis have not appeared since his hospitalization on February 14.
To grasp how integral the pope is to the Italian fabric, one must look at the Sanremo Song Festival, an annual showcase of musical talent on RAI television. This year, the festival made headlines when a pre-recorded video of Francis played during the opening night, despite him already suffering from bronchitis. Speculation erupted when an Italian blog claimed the footage was old, spurring fears that Francis’ health was precariously worse than presented. In truth, the video was recent, but it followed a significant decline in Francis’ health, culminating in his hospitalization with pneumonia by the festival’s conclusion.
While Italians publicly express worries over the pope’s health, speculation about potential successors has also become a common topic of discussion across various social circles. “I’m certainly very, very worried,” said Maurizio Di Folco, a patient at the same hospital as Francis, who expressed his support for the pontiff. Yet not all discourse has been supportive; critics from the conservative side have propagated alarmist and unfounded stories about his condition. Notably, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a vocal opponent of Francis, has controversially called for an investigation into the legitimacy of his election.
Francis is acutely aware of these dynamics. Reflecting on past events, he shared experiences from his 2021 hospitalization when he became aware of discussions among priests speculating about his health and a potential new conclave. While publicly discussing next in line for the papacy is often viewed as inappropriate, private conversations regarding successors are rampant throughout Italy, infiltrating everyday discussions.
As for Pope Francis, he remains stable, with a recent bulletin indicating slight improvement in his condition. He has reportedly been able to eat breakfast while sitting up and is actively engaging with his aides. The current circumstances highlight a gradual increase in transparency regarding his health, although many who have dealt with aging loved ones are likely to express concern long before the Vatican officially confirms ailments.
In the context of the papacy, the intersections of health, speculation, and public interest loom large, showcasing an ongoing fascination with the figure of the pope amid Italy’s cultural landscape, where anticipation for updates and dialogue about successors underpins the reality of leadership transition in such a significant institution.
