Pope Francis‘s blood tests have indicated he has slight “insufficiency” in his kidney function as remains in critical condition while battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection, the Vatican said on Sunday. On Sunday, the pontiff was on reportedly "well-oriented" and alert as he attended Mass. However, the 88-year-old continues to receive “high flows of supplemental oxygen”.
The Vatican said in a statement: "The condition of the Holy Father remains critical; however, since last night he has not experienced further respiratory crises. The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for the pharmacological therapies to show some effect, require that the prognosis remains guarded.”.
Blood tests also indicated "an initial, slight renal insufficiency, which is currently under control", it said, referring to the functioning of the kidneys, which filter waste products in the blood. The updates come after Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14. News of the pontiff’s health being in decline has raised attention about what happens next for the Pope. But what has also revived speculation about what could be to come is recent news of Conclave, winning Best Film at the 2025 British Academy Film Awards. It secured the award for its adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel of the aftermath of the Pope’s death.
Conclave is a fictional story where various factions in the Vatican City try to position themselves for a vote to decide the next Pope and the future of the church. Although it is not based on true events, it does show a similar process to reality. The Chamberlain then notifies the cardinal vicar for Rome who then tells the people of Rome - with word then going worldwide.
“The Chamberlain seals the Pope’s apartments and begins to make arrangements for the burial,” states the guidance. “It is the Dean’s responsibility to inform all the cardinals, the Diplomatic Corps and heads of state.”. The Dean in the film Conclave is the role that Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) fulfils.
After the death, nine days of mourning are declared and the burial usually takes place between the fourth and the sixth day. Popes are usually buried at St Peter’s Basilica. An executor may have the task of enacting the Pope’s last will - another element that comes up in Conclave.
Cardinals discuss, very secretly, who they feel would be a good candidate and voting begins in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel - and continues until one has a conclusive vote. The church, states the BBC, talks about cardinals being “guided by the Holy Spirit” but is also shaped by factions and groupings built to strengthen candidates’ positions.
A relatively new rule is that after 12 days of voting, a candidate can win with 50 per cent plus one vote. Twice per day, locals are kept updated via the ancient practice of burning ballots. If black smoke appears, then a decision has not been reached, while if it is white smoke then a new Pope has been elected.
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