"The Holy See has moved to Gemelli," Consorti told the newspaper "La Repubblica".
"The Pope can stay in hospital, in the Vatican, in Gastel Gandolfo or even elsewhere," explained the canonist from the University of Pisa. "Even a twenty-year hospitalisation is not in itself an obstacle to leading the Church."
In the past, Francis' predecessors as Pope had chosen a bishop as their secretary, to whom they were able to hand over more and more power and tasks as they grew older, according to Consorti. Francis, on the other hand, "centralised the decisions in his own hands".
Most important decision-making powers concentrated on the Pope
Church historian Daniele Menozzi expressed similar views to "La Repubblica": "Francis is a pope who is pursuing a course of reform, who has dealt the Curia hard blows and who is asserting himself against all odds."
Francis has concentrated the most important decision-making powers on himself. "In a monarchical government, like that of the Church, it is always up to the Pope whether and how he wants to delegate."
Francis does not yet consider the transformation of the Church into a synodal Church to be complete. Menozzi is convinced that as long as the Pope is convinced that he himself is in his right mind, he will prefer to delegate tasks rather than resign.
Canon lawyer Davide Cito from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross emphasised to the newspaper that the Pope can delegate practically everything that does not correspond to the Petrine office in the proper sense. For example, only a pope can proclaim a dogma of faith. Other tasks could also be carried out by employees.
Pope Francis was admitted to hospital on 14 February with severe bronchitis. Several pathogens were later detected in his bronchial tubes. This was followed by bilateral pneumonia, and an incipient kidney failure that had been observed in the meantime has since receded.
During his hospitalisation, the Pope experienced several severe respiratory crises, but continued to work regularly.
Several bishops and auxiliary bishops were appointed, greetings were sent and the management of the Vatican State was reformed.