Since being inducted as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic church in 2013, Pope Francis has done extraordinary things throughout his time as the Catholic pontiff. He has visited numerous immigrants, focusing on the poor and vulnerable and sharing his vision for the church’s ability to unite everyone. 

However, our beloved pope has fallen ill, as many know. According to Vatican News, he is currently being treated for double pneumonia; a health update at the end of February also noted that he is also showing signs of mild renal insufficiency, which appears to be under control. 

They also said, “No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred [February 24], and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.” This news is widely encouraging, considering his condition over the past few weeks, which implies he is improving slightly.

The Pope’s condition is stable for now, as confirmed in an update from the Vatican on March 12. However, due to him being 88, his illness is still critical due to his weak immune system.

Naturally, this health scare has prompted millions of believers to pray for the pope, especially after Pope Francis asked Catholics to pray for him when he could not deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second week. The pope’s request has encouraged hundreds of thousands of people to pray that his condition remains stable as he continues to battle his sickness each and every day.  

Mr. Frice, a Catholic Faith teacher here at CCHS had some very meaningful thoughts on the Pope’s illness and his impact on the Catholic community.

“The Pope has looked after those who are sick and marginalized, but now that he is in that very position, so it a sort of a witness to dignity being someone who is in that position,” Frice stated.

Frice emphasized that, even when someone is ill, they still retain their inherent God-given dignity. 

Frice also stated, “There is something about being the person who gives the gift, but sometimes in Christianity, we have to be the person who receives the gift and to be patient and humble enough to receive the service of others.”  This illustrates the importance of having Christian humility by surrendering and letting others help you when you are in need. Through his health journey, Pope Francis has revealed his sheer willpower as a leader and person.   

Pope Francis’ ongoing health journey has underscored his extraordinary determination and love for the church. Even through the Pope’s hardest times, he still has uplifted millions and inspired people while battling a sickness that could very well kill him.

Overall, our community must come together and pray for the Pope’s health and his medical team to help him.