Pope Francis’ health concerns spark papal conclave talks: Meet 4 Indian cardinals who could vote for the next Pope

Pope Francis remains in critical condition following his admission to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The Vatican has reported a slight improvement in his health, but concerns persist due to his age and pre-existing lung condition.

The Pope’s deteriorating health has intensified discussions about the future leadership of the Church and the potential for a papal conclave.

If convened, 138 cardinals under the age of 80 will be eligible to vote, including four from India.

How is a new Pope elected?

A papal conclave is convened in only two circumstances: when a Pope passes away or resigns. According to reports, His Eminence Cardinal Kevin Farrell is responsible for making the necessary arrangements in such an event.

All voting cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel, take an oath of secrecy, and are then cut off from the outside world. They cast their votes in successive rounds until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority.

If no Pope is elected in a round of voting, black smoke is released from the chapel’s chimney. Once a new Pope is chosen, white smoke appears, followed by the official announcement: Habemus Papam (“We have a Pope”).

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Who are the four Indian cardinals eligible to vote?

According to a report in FirstPost, India has six cardinals, but only four are eligible to vote due to the age limit of 80. Despite hailing from different states, these four cardinals hold significant influence within the Church.

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao (72) – The Archbishop of Goa and Daman and the sixth Patriarch of the East Indies. Elevated to cardinal on August 27, 2022, he is known for his advocacy on social justice issues, including migration, climate change and interreligious dialogue.

Cardinal Cleemis Baselios (64) – The Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Born Isaac Thottunkal, he has led the Syro-Malankara Church since being made cardinal on November 24, 2012. He has worked extensively on interfaith relations and community development.

Cardinal Anthony Poola (63) – India’s first Dalit cardinal and the Archbishop of Hyderabad. A strong advocate for marginalised communities, his elevation as cardinal was seen as a step towards addressing caste-based discrimination in the Church.

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (51) – A Vatican diplomat and Syro-Malabar Archbishop. He played a key role in organising Pope Francis’s international visits and, in January 2025, was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

Pope Francis’s health condition

At 87, Pope Francis is undergoing treatment for pneumonia in both lungs following his admission on February 14. While there has been a slight improvement in his condition, the prognosis remains concerning.

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According to reports, the Pope’s oxygen support has been reduced, and his kidneys are functioning normally.

FAQs

1. What is the current state of the Pope’s health?
Pope Francis remains in critical condition, though there has been a slight improvement. He is receiving treatment for pneumonia with oxygen support but is reportedly pain-free and not on artificial nutrition.


2. What role will Indian cardinals play in the papal conclave?
If a conclave is convened, four Indian cardinals — Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cleemis Baselios, Anthony Poola and George Jacob Koovakad — will be eligible to vote for the next pope. They represent different Catholic communities within India.