No Updates on the Pope's Future: Critical but Stable Condition
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Synopsis
Pope Francis remains in a critical but stable condition in a hospital, according to an Indian cardinal. There are no updates on his future, and currently, no meeting has been called to discuss potential retirement. India's cardinal count stands at four, with one cardinal set to turn 80 soon.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Francis is in a critical but stable condition.
- No updates on the Pope's future or potential retirement.
- India has four cardinals, one of whom will soon be 80.
- The newest cardinal, George Jacob Koovakad, was elevated recently.
- The Christian population in Kerala makes up 17% of the state's population.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 26 (NationPress) The health status of Pope Francis, currently hospitalized in his native country, remains critical but stable, according to a Cardinal.
In an interview with IANS, an Indian cardinal, who requested anonymity, stated that the Pope’s condition has not changed, and there are currently no updates regarding future actions.
"Typically, if a Pope decides to resign, similar to the situation with his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in 2013, a conclave of all the cardinals is convened to make a formal decision. However, this can also occur without such a meeting," the Cardinal elaborated.
"As of now, no such conclave has been called," the unidentified Indian cardinal remarked.
India currently has four cardinals.
When inquired about the election process for a new Pope, he explained that the electoral college consists of cardinals under the age of 80, who are responsible for voting.
"All cardinals with voting privileges are eligible for the papacy. If I recall correctly, there are approximately 130 cardinals eligible to vote for the next Pope; however, the total number of cardinals over 80 is even greater," the Cardinal noted.
"Among the four cardinals in India, one will reach the age of 80 in May," he added.
Additionally, he highlighted that the newest cardinal from Kerala and India, George Jacob Koovakad, was elevated to cardinal status from priest in December, a departure from the tradition of bishops being elevated first.
"This new cardinal is currently based in the Vatican and continues his duties there," the Cardinal mentioned.
It is noteworthy that Kerala is home to three Catholic rites: the Syro-Malabar, Latin, and Syro Malankara Churches.
These three rites represent over 50 percent of the Christian population in Kerala, which constitutes about 17 percent of the state’s total population of 3.30 crore.
