Who is in the Vatican? What is this in terms of Francis Health’s concern for the Pope

More than two weeks, my eyes have been in the Vatican, waiting for news about it Pope Francis’ health. Since February 14, 2025, the Pope has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia and other complications at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

When the Pope is sick, resigns or dies, who intervenes? Who else can help lead the Holy See? Our conversation asked the University of Dayton theologian Daniel Speed ​​Thompson to learn about Vatican City.

Who is the most powerful person in the Vatican except the Pope?

The Vatican is the central government of the Catholic Church and an independent city-state. The Pope is both the head of the Catholic Church and the head of state.

To rule both, he had Roman Curia, meaning “the court.” In modern terms, Curia is a pope bureaucracy. This is an extension of the Pope’s authority.

In Catholic teachings, the Pope has the highest authority in the church. He can exercise alone or with the Bishops’ College, and is composed of all the bishops in the world. The bishop named by the “Cardinal” office can vote for the new pope. Some cardinals, but not all, are in Pope Curia in Rome.

In addition to the Pope, performance officials responsible for important aspects of the political and religious life of the church are often powerful figures. For example, the National Secretariat, led by Pietro Parolin, is responsible for its relationship with other countries and international organizations. It also oversees the Vatican diplomatic forces.

Dicastery, the doctrine of faith led by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández – “Department”, introduces questions about the teaching of faith and morality about the correct Catholic teaching. Bishop Robert Prevost led by Bishop Dicastery coordinated the nominations for new bishops around the world.

All these officials worked under the authority of the Pope to advocate and implement his agenda. For example, Prevost recommends that all Catholics should participate in the bishop’s choice. The idea is shaped by Francis’s call for a more “conference” church: a church: a less-level church, shaped by the concerns and challenges of lay Catholics.

If the Pope is unable to perform his duties, who will intervene?

When the Pope passed away or resigned like Benedict XVI in 2013, the governance of the Catholic Church was formally part of the Cardinal College. However, the authority of the academy is very limited. The Cardinal itself cannot make any major decisions about faith, morality, and worship. Nor can they cancel previous Pope rulings or change the law of the church regarding the election of a new Pope.

After the Pope’s death or resignation, all the heads of religious priests lost their posts. The Cardinal College is a caretaker government whose main purpose is to prepare for the election of the new pope and to oversee the daily work of the Vatican.

A cardinal known as the “photographer” is responsible for confirming the death or resignation of the pope. He then assumed control of the pope’s residence and coordinated the funeral when needed. Camerlengo also detained property from the Vatican in Rome and oversees details of the upcoming conference matches.

The daily business of the Catholic Church continues, but there is no way to make a major decision without a pope. The church cannot appoint new bishops, and the Vatican cannot start new diplomatic efforts.

Are Vatican officials often nominated as Pope?

sometimes. Francis was a cardinal in Argentina before being elected as Pope and did not serve in Roman Curia. However, Benedict XVIFrancis’ predecessor was indeed the church of the church, as a doctrine of faith. Some recent popes served in Curia earlier in their careers but did not serve immediately before the election.

What do you want people to know about the Vatican?

Three things. First, the Vatican is different from any organization in the world. Its religious mission and political status have been in the past 2,000 years. This complex story offers a unique tradition that can anchor Catholic institutions but can also prevent critical self-checking and renewal of the church.

Secondly, the Vatican is like every organization in the world. Vatican officials can be true to the highest standards of their religion and truly hope to serve the church and the common good of mankind. But they can also be blatantly immoral, Even criminalsand professionalists of status or luxury goods. Francis always summoned pastors and bishops who believed their posts or appointments to be superior in some way.

Finally, the Vatican is relatively small and not as rich as often portrayed as it is often described.

Although Curia manages a massive international organization, its resources are closer to the U.S. government or Apple than my own mid-sized Catholic university. The Vatican City and the Holy See employ about 2,000 people and operate at approximately $835 million.

Yes, the Catholic Church has wealth – and the ongoing problems of deficits and financial corruption. But the Vatican’s resources are pale compared to what modern states or large corporations can call together.

This article was originally published in dialogue.