Lexington Catholic community reacts to critical condition of Pope Francis

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Vatican officials say Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s 266th Pontiff, is fighting double pneumonia and remains in critical condition.

“I think everyone can resonate with someone in their family who has taken ill, especially those who are of an older age,” Father Jim Sichko.

Father Sichko says the 88-year-old Pope is not only a religious leader, but a world leader as well.

“There are many individuals, just like in our own government, that work for him and are doing jobs,” he said.

The Vatican is its own political entity located inside Rome and led by the Pope.

“Many people speculate that Pope Francis may retire,” Father Sichko said.

He says he doesn’t see that happening unless the Pontiff becomes incapacitated. According to the Vatican, as of Tuesday, Pope Francis is not bed-ridden and can stand up.

“Even though he is very, very ill he is very much alive,” Father Sichko said.

If he dies, Father Sichko says the nine-day period of mourning begins and the Cardinals that Pope Francis has selected will go into a conclave and emerge when they have voted on a new pope.

“You’ll see the black smoke come up out of the Sistine Chapel which means they haven’t selected a pope yet,” he said.

Once that smoke turns white, the 267th pope has been elected. For now, the focus is on the recovery of Pope Francis.