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Pope Francis continues to be hospitalized due to double pneumonia, with reports from the Vatican indicating slight improvements in his condition. However, concerns about his critical health status persist, raising questions about the future leadership of the Catholic Church.
Amid his health challenges, sources from the Vatican report that Pope Francis is actively fulfilling his duties. Recently, he appointed Richard Smith as the Archbishop of Vancouver and discussed significant cases regarding sainthood with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his second-in-command.
One of the key figures monitoring the Pope’s health is Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, a Jesuit who has been an ally of the Pope’s vision. Czerny, who became a cardinal in 2019, leads the Vatican’s social justice and migration efforts and meets with the Pope monthly. His last meeting was three weeks prior.
“He had some difficulty breathing,” Czerny noted in an interview, but emphasized that the Pope’s sense of humor and passion for pressing issues remain intact — particularly his compassion for the poor and the Church’s future.
Expanding Decision-Making within the Church
Pope Francis’s broad appeal stems not only from his advocacy for social justice, environmental stewardship, and humanitarian efforts but also from his commitment to “synodality.” This approach seeks to include a wider array of voices in the decision-making processes of the Church, according to Czerny.
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Cardinal Czerny emphasizes that Pope Francis’s singular focus is on alleviating suffering and enhancing social justice for all.
The Pope’s vocal support for migrants has made him a contentious figure in contemporary politics, especially against a backdrop of rising nationalism. His message of inclusion often conflicts with stringent immigration policies in various countries, notably during the Trump administration in the United States and among far-right movements in Europe.
Czerny argues that this is why the Pope resonates with so many: “Everyone is aware of the climate crisis and the obligation to respond to it. But we lack leaders with the courage to act. Moreover, welcoming those in need is an inherent human duty. Our hesitance to embrace this sentiment signifies a failure in our leadership.”
“The synodal process represents a transformative method for the Church that relies on all its members — not solely the clergy,” Czerny remarked. “This reflects an early Church model, and it is fortunate that we are embarking on this journey, despite the time it will take for implementation.”
This dynamic signifies a departure from traditional papal leadership styles and epitomizes Francis’s commitment to listening and engaging with various perspectives. “His readiness to consider diverse viewpoints, even those he might disagree with, sets an example for both the Church and the global community,” Czerny affirmed.
A Pope for All People
Recently returned from a mission in Lebanon, Czerny highlighted how Francis’s message transcends cultural and religious boundaries. “In every meeting, there were prayers for his health, even from non-Christians,” he shared. “The most impactful prayer for the Pope is to convey solidarity and compassion for those in need, which is what I aimed to do in Lebanon.”
In St. Peter’s Square on a rain-soaked day, visitors echoed this same sentiment. Hashin Al Ard, a Syrian-Canadian tourist, expressed that the Pope’s commitment to peace resonates deeply with him. “As Syrians, we’ve faced tremendous suffering in recent years, and now that we are finally experiencing liberation, we appreciate his support for peace movements.”
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A rosary was prayed for the Pope’s health, led by Cardinals and attended by a large congregation as the Pope nears his 11th day in the hospital battling pneumonia. The Vatican reported slight improvements in his condition.
University student Giulia Marchesano expressed a similar thought, asserting, “He truly is the pope of the people. He doesn’t limit his concern to just Catholics or Vatican affairs; he cares for everyone — the sick, the impoverished. This universal focus is crucial, as a pope represents all of humanity, not just one faith.”
Despite this inclusive vision, some critics point out shortcomings in extending inclusion to women and 2SLGBTQ+ Catholics. Elise Ann Allen, a Vatican observer, noted that while there was hope for progressive change upon his election, Francis has yet to endorse the inclusion of women in the priesthood or recognize same-sex unions as marriages.
“There were high hopes when he began using inclusive language, suggesting a pivotal moment was on the horizon,” Allen remarked. “While he has demonstrated a willingness to engage on these issues, he has not taken definitive action.”
Looking Ahead
Having led the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, Pope Francis has appointed around 80 percent of the College of Cardinals, significantly influencing the selection of his successor.
While the outcomes of conclaves aren’t as unpredictable as those portrayed in films like Conclave, the future direction of the Church remains uncertain. Czerny reflected on the transformative impact of the Pope’s approach and emphasized that understanding the gravity of current realities is crucial.
“Addressing the world’s challenges requires starting from the ground up — focusing on the suffering and the real issues before formulating solutions,” he said, describing an essential aspect of Francis’s leadership style that he has learned from firsthand experience.
Despite the uncertainty of what comes next, Czerny believes that the Pope’s dedication to synodality — valuing inclusion and attentive listening — will create a lasting legacy that will shape the Church’s future. “Francis has fundamentally changed the pastoral approach of the Church. While dogmas remain intact, the manner in which the Church relates to individuals will be the hallmark of his service,” he concluded.
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