Pope Francis is recovering, but doctors are urging caution. In fact, they are not yet indicating a specific date for his discharge.
Despite this, his stay at Gemelli has not stopped the Vatican's machines. Daily work continues in every department. However, most of the procedures involving key decisions require, as a rule, the pope's approval.
That is why the number two of the Holy See usually comes weekly to meet with him. He brings him documents, as he did with the decrees of the saints on February 24, which needed the pontiff's signature to be approved.
The appointments of bishops, which appear almost daily in the Vatican bulletin, are also still underway. But, in this case, the choice of prelates is part of a long process.
This means that, probably, the ones that are being communicated now, and that have been given the green light by the Pope, were closed even before his admission to the hospital. This information has not yet been confirmed by the Holy See.
In addition, Vatican sources indicate that Pope Francis receives other documents brought to him by his three secretaries, who are trusted by the pope and who would take turns with him at the Gemelli.
They are also in charge of handling his correspondence. For example, Francis sent a letter on March 14 to the editor of an italian newspaper.
In any case, and with a view to upcoming events, cardinal Parolin will be the figure most likely to be seen in specific matters to replace the pope. He already did so as number two when he received the prime minister of Lithuania on March 3.
Also, for example, on April 8, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace, Charles of England and Camilla will be at the Vatican, a news that was already announced days ago.
In the communiqué, it is assured that they will meet with the pope; a meeting that will depend on when Francis gets out of the hospital and, above all, on how and in what conditions he resumes his agenda. In case of indisposition, it will probably be Cardinal Parolin who will lead the meeting.
JH.
