Vatican In Limbo: Pope Francis’ Health Crisis Leaves Church Leadership On Edge

The Apostolic Palace in the Vatican serves as the headquarters of the Holy See’s Secretariat of State, the nerve center of the Catholic Church’s global administration. Walking through the third-floor offices of this Renaissance palace, visitors pass by frescoes depicting some of the earliest maps of the world — a reminder that the Church had a global vision long before globalization became a buzzword.

Now, as Pope Francis enters his fourth week in the hospital, uncertainty grips the Vatican. Those working within the Apostolic Palace — and throughout the Church’s central administration — are adjusting to the pope’s prolonged absence.

At the heart of this transition are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the "sostituto" or "substitute," who acts as the pope's chief of staff. Both have visited Francis in the hospital at least twice. In normal times, they would meet with the pope weekly and stay in regular contact.

Parolin, a mild-mannered yet shrewd diplomat from northern Italy, has been a key figure in the Vatican’s geopolitical dealings, including its complex agreement with China. Some insiders even view him as a potential future pope. He led the first of the daily prayer sessions for Francis’ recovery in St. Peter’s Square.

Peña Parra, a Venezuelan diplomat known for his resilience, manages the day-to-day operations of the Roman Curia, the Church's central governing body. He demonstrated his toughness last summer during a high-stakes legal case in London over a Vatican real estate deal — a case that ended in the Vatican’s favor.

As Francis remains hospitalized, Parolin and Peña Parra have taken on greater responsibility for running the Church. The Roman Curia’s various dicasteries (departments) continue their work — appointing bishops, managing liturgy, and handling Church affairs — but at a slower pace. Heads of state have postponed visits, and major events reliant on the pope’s presence have been put on hold.

“It’s always difficult when the head disappears, even temporarily,” said Cardinal Arthur Roche, leader of the Vatican’s liturgy department. “The Holy Father is very hands-on when it comes to managing the Curia. We’re used to him suddenly calling for advice or to share an observation. So, in that sense, things have gone very quiet.”

Despite his health struggles, the 88-year-old pope continues to govern from his hospital bed at the Gemelli hospital. He’s signed off on official documents, appointed bishops, and even named a NASA scientist to the Pontifical Academy for Sciences. He also personally requested that doctors and the Vatican’s communication team provide daily updates on his condition.

On Thursday night, the pope’s voice was heard for the first time since his hospitalization. Struggling to speak after weeks of respiratory issues, Francis thanked the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for their prayers — a moment that moved the crowd to silence.

Each evening, cardinals and senior Vatican officials gather in St. Peter’s Square to pray for the pope. Anthony Ekpo, a Vatican official and author of The Roman Curia: History, Theology, and Organization, described the mood as “anxious but prayerful.”

The pope’s illness has cast a shadow over the Catholic Church’s jubilee year — a once-in-25-years event focused on pilgrimage and forgiveness. With Francis sidelined, senior cardinals have stepped in to lead the celebrations, fueling speculation about the next conclave. Vatican insiders are closely watching how each cardinal performs, wondering who might emerge as a potential successor.

Interest in papal succession has been heightened by the popularity of the movie Conclave, which depicts the secretive process of electing a new pope. Some senior Vatican figures have reportedly watched the film, adding to the atmosphere of quiet anticipation.

Unlike his predecessors, Francis has ensured no single figure gains excessive influence in his absence. John Paul II’s declining health created a power vacuum in the Vatican, with key decisions falling to his private secretary, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz. Benedict XVI’s confidant, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, held similar sway. Francis, however, has avoided this dynamic by rotating his secretaries and refusing to appoint a formal deputy.

Francis’ prognosis remains uncertain, and his recovery could take weeks. Friends of the pope say he is determined to return to his residence at Casa Santa Marta — the same place where cardinals stay during a conclave. Speculation about a possible resignation is growing.

From March 9 to 14, the leaders of the Roman Curia will engage in spiritual exercises for Lent, focusing on “the hope of eternal life.” This year’s Lenten journey feels particularly symbolic — a walk through the wilderness of uncertainty as the pope’s health hangs in the balance.

For now, the Vatican prays for clarity — and for the strength of its leader to return.