Pope Francis remains hospitalized with double pneumonia and while The Vatican updates say that it rests well with a slight improvementHis condition is still critical – with deep concern for health leading to questions about the future of the Catholic Church.
Despite the crisis situations, the Vatican sources claim that he is still working on Tuesday Appointment of Richard Smith as Archbishop Vancouver and discussing the waiting number of cases with your deputy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Among those who stick to the Pope's health is the Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, a Jesuit friend, strictly in line with Francis's priorities and the first Canadian Francis raised to the cardinal in 2019.
Czerny, who manages the Vatican Social Justice and Migration Office, meets the Pope once a month – recently three weeks ago.
“He had difficulty breathing,” said Czerny CBC. “Otherwise, he was his old self … a sense of humor, special attention to issues, real concern about the poor, real concern for the Church.”
More votes in making decisions in the Church
Outside the walls of the Vatican, the dismissal of Pope Francis is derived not only from his open support of social justice, environmental protection and accepting migrants and refugees, but also from his leadership about what the Catholic Church calls “synodality”, said Czerny, the approach, which encourages more votes in making decisions in the church.
Cardinal Michael Czerny says that Pope Francis meant a lot for the Catholic Church – and the world – as he served with “common good”. Czerny, a Canadian who was called to his current role by Francis, says that the Pope has “no secondary” interests and a deep focus on reducing suffering.
Vocal defense by Migrants Francis made him a polarizing figure in the era of growing nationalism. From the repression of migrants under the US President Donald Trump to the growing influence of the far-right anti-migrant parties throughout Europe, his inclusion collided with the governments tightening their borders.
Czerny says that that's why Francis hit such a deep chord.
“We all know that we must answer the climate challenge. Everyone knows about it. But our leaders do not have the courage to lead us in response, “he said. “And everyone knows in his hearts that when a stranger knocks on the door, you must welcome them. This is inhuman, it is contrary to our nature is to reverse someone in need. Unfortunately, this does not help us and leads to this. “
“The synod is a new way to continue the church … It depends on all its members, not the clergy itself,” said Czerny. “He returns to an early church and it is a great grace for us that it is in progress, even if the implementation takes some time.”
This is a serious change from previous popes and reflects Franciszek's faith in listening.
“I was struck by the readiness of Pope Francis – even insisting – to listen to everyone, including those with whom he may disagree,” said Czerny. “This is a great lesson not only for the Church, but for the world.”
Pope for people
Czerny, who recently returned from the mission to Lebanon, described how Francis's message reaches people in a division.
“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 transport his message to the needy – and I was able to do in Lebanon.”
On the rain of St. Piotr, guests repeated this sentiment.
Hashin Al Ard, a Syrian-Canadian tourist, said that the pope's message appeals to him. “As Syrians, we've suffered a lot in recent years and finally liberated. He supports peace movements, so we support him and wish him well. “
A large crowd of the faithful joined the cardinals under the leadership of the Secretary of State Parolin in St. Piotr on Monday evening for the prayer of the rosaries for the health of Pope Francis. The Pope spent his 11th day in Rome in Gemelli's hospital when he fights pneumonia in both lungs, and the Vatican says on Monday that he showed signs of “slight improvement”.
Student of the University of Giulia Marchesano agreed. “It's the Pope of the People,” she said. “He doesn't care only about Catholics or what is happening in the Vatican, but about all the sick, the poor. This is important because the Pope is a global figure, not just Catholic. “
Despite this, the Pope failed when it comes to incorporating women who are opposed to allowing the priesthood, and 2SLGBTQ+ Catholics whose relationships he and the Church still do not consider a marriage, according to Elise Ann Allen, Vatican observer of the CRUX information page.
“There were many expectations when he came in and began to use this integration language that it would be our moment,” she said about more progressive Catholics. “Francis showed that he is ready to open the door and talk about it, but he did not cross the line.”
What next?
After more than 12 years at the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis designated almost 80 percent of the College of Cardinals, shaping the body that his successor will choose.
And although the result of the conclave is not as unpredictable as presented in the last film ConclaveNobody knows how the next pope will manage the church.
Looking back at his time with the Pope, Czerny said what the pontificate of Francis most characterizes his practical approach to the most smoking problems in the world.
“The place to start is reality – start with suffering, start with the problem, and then work,” said Czerny. “Unlike first inventing things in your head, and then trying to apply them. This is his very basic feature and the one I learned from him. “
Czerny recognized uncertainty, but believes that Francis emphasized synodality – inclusion and listening – whatever happens, will leave a permanent sign and that his approach will be led by the Church in the next chapter.
“He changed everything pastorally,” said Czerny. “He did not change the dogma, but changed the way the Church is involved with people. And, I think, he will determine his heritage. “