Pope Francis remains hospitalized with a double pneumonia, and while the Vatican Update the Vatican is well -oriented with a slight improvement, his condition is still critical – with deep concern about his health, which leads to questions about the future of the Catholic Church.
Despite the emergencies in healthcare, the Vatican sources continue to work. On Tuesday, he appoints Richard Smith as Archbishop of Vancouver and discussed in cases that are discussed with his second-in-command, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in the previous legities.
Among those who keep an eye on the Pope’s health, the Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, a colleague who was closely organized with Francis’ priorities and the first Canadian Francis in Cardinal.
Czerny, who heads the Vatican’s social and migration office, meets the Pope once a month – most recently three weeks ago.
“He had difficulty breathing,” Czerny told CBC. “Otherwise he was his old self … The sense of humor, attention to the problems, the real concern about the poor, real concern for the church.”
Further votes in the decision -making of the church
Outside the walls of the Vatican, the appeal of the Pope Francis comes not only from his pronounced advocacy for social justice, environmental protection and greeting migrants and refugees, but also from its leadership to what the Catholic Church is “synodity”, an approach that Invites that invites that invites that invites that invite you to make more votes in the decision -making of the church.
Cardinal Michael Czerny says that Pope Francis of the Catholic Church – and the world – meant a lot, as he served with a view to the “common good”. Czerny, a Canadian who was appointed his current role by Francis, says that the Pope has no secondary interests and a deep focus on reducing suffering.
Francis’ vocal defense of migrants made him a polarizing figure in an era of rising nationalism. From the action against migrants under US President Donald Trump to the growing influence of right-wing extremist anti-migrant parties across Europe, his inclusion message has come together with governments that tighten their limits.
Czerny says that this is exactly why Francis hit such a deep chord.
“We all know that we have to react to the challenge of the climate. Everyone knows. But our leaders don’t have the courage to answer us,” he said. “And everyone knows in their hearts that they have to be welcomed when the stranger knocks on the door. It is inhumane, it is inappropriate to dismiss someone in need. Unfortunately, we are not helped and led to it.”
“The synod is a new way for the church to get ahead … which depends on all its members, not on the clergyman alone,” said Czerny. “It goes back to the early church and it is a great grace for us that this is now in place, even though it will take time to implement.”
It is a great shifting of previous popes and reflects Francis’ belief in listening.
“Pope Francis’ willingness – even insisted – I was listened to to listen to everyone, including those with whom he could not agree,” said Czerny. “This is a great lesson not only for the church, but also for the world.”
A pope for people
Czerny, who recently returned from a mission to Lebanon, described how Francis’ message achieved people across Divides.
“Every meeting I had in Lebanon included prayers for him … also with non -Christians,” he said. “The best prayer for the Holy Father is to carry his solidarity to the needy – and I was able to do that in Lebanon.”
Visitors repeated this feeling on a rained St. Peter’s Square.
Hashin al ARD, a Syrian-Canadian tourist, said the Pope’s anti-war message spoke to him. “As a Syrian, we have suffered a lot in recent years and finally liberated. He supports peace movements, so we support him and wish him all the best.”
Cardinals under the direction of Foreign Minister Pietro Parolin were accompanied on Monday evening by a large number of believers at St. Peter Square for a prayer for rosary for the health of Pope Francis. The Pope spent his 11th day in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome when he fought against pneumonia in both lungs. The Vatican said on Monday that he had signs of a “slight improvement”.
University student Giulia Marchesano agreed. “He is the Pope of the people,” she said. “It is not just about Catholics or what is going on in the Vatican, but everyone – the sick, the poor. This is important because a Pope is a global figure, not just a Catholic.”
Nevertheless, the Pope has been neglected when it comes to women who allow crux news site until the priesthood.
“There were great expectations when he came in and this integrative language used that this would be our moment,” she said about more progressive Catholics. “Francis showed that he was ready to open the door and talk about it, but he didn’t cross the border.”
What’s next?
After more than 12 years at the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis has appointed almost 80 percent of College of Cardinale and designed the body that will select his successor.
And although the result of conclaves is not as unpredictable as that in the latest film conclaveNobody knows how the next Pope will control the church.
In retrospect for his time with the Pope, Czerny said and said what Francis’ pontificate characterizes the most, his practical approach to the most urgent topics in the world is.
“The starting point is reality – start suffering, start with the problem and then work from there,” said Czerny. “In contrast to find out in your head first and then try to use it. This is a very fundamental quality of him and one that I learned from him.”
Czerny recognized the uncertainty, but believes that Francis’ emphasis on synodality – inclusion and listening -, whatever happens – leave a permanent brand and that its approach will lead the church in its next chapter.
“He changed everything pastorally,” said Czerny. “He didn’t change the dogma, but he changed the way the church deals with people. And I think that will define his inheritance.”
