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Pope Francis is currently in critical condition at a hospital in Rome, battling pneumonia and a severe lung infection. The 88-year-old pontiff has suffered a respiratory crisis and undergone blood transfusions, while doctors closely monitor him for sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection.

His deteriorating health has raised concerns about the future of the papacy and the potential need to elect a new pope. If necessary, the process follows a conclave, where cardinals under the age of 80 gather in secrecy to vote on a successor. After each vote, ballots are burned—white smoke signals a successful election, while black smoke indicates no decision. Once a new pope is elected and accepts the role, he chooses a papal name and is formally introduced to the world with the announcement: "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope).

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Pope Francis in Critical Condition: Vatican Prepares for Uncertain Future and Conclave 14:10 Share

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Pope Francis in Critical Condition: Vatican Prepares for Uncertain Future and Conclave