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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Nicole Winfield

Who leads the Catholic Church when the Pope is sick?

A nun prays at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Pope Francis’s recent hospitalisation due to a lung infection has sparked questions regarding the leadership of the Catholic Church should the pontiff become incapacitated.

Despite the Pope’s apparent critical condition, he remains in charge, as the Vatican has confirmed he is resting peacefully after a respiratory crisis.

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