The belief of Pope Francis will have a permanent legacy in listening, says Canadian Cardinal
Pope Francis remains hospitalized with double pneumonia, and while Vatican updates say it rests well with a slight improvementHis condition is still critical – with deep concern about his health, which led to a question about the future of the Catholic Church.
Despite the health emergency, the Vatican’s sources say that it continues to work, on Tuesday The appointment of Richard Smith for Archbishop from Vancouver and discussing cases that are ongoing with their other commander, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Among those who are in the immediate vicinity of the Pope’s health is Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, a colleague Jesuit closely aligned with Francis’s priorities and the first Canadian Francis elevated to Cardinal, 2019.
Czerny, led by the Vatican Office for Social Justice and Migration, meets with the Pope once a month – recently, three weeks ago.
“He had difficulty breathing,” Czerny told CBC. “Otherwise, it was his old self … a sense of humor, carefully attention to questions, real concern for poor, real concern for the Church.”
More votes in making decisions of the Church
Outside the Vatican walls, Pope Francis appeal not only from his open commitment to social justice, environmental protection and migrant and welcome refugee, but also from his leadership of what the Catholic Church calls “Synododeliness,” said Czerny, an approach that calls more voices in the decision of the Church’s decisions.
Cardinal Michael Czerny says that Pope Francis thought a lot about the Catholic Church – and to the world – as he served with the aim of a “common good”. Czerny, Canadian, whom Francis has appointed his current role, says that the Pope has no ‘secondary’ interests and a deep focus on reducing suffering.
Francis’s vocal defense of migrants made him a polarizing figure in the time of growing nationalism. Since the suppression of migrants under US President Donald Trump to the increasing influence of the far right, the anti-migrant parties across Europe, his message on the involvement has clashed with the governments that tightened their borders.
Czerny says that that’s why Francis hit such a deep chord.
“We all know we have to answer the challenge of the climate. Everyone knows it. But our leaders have no courage to lead us in response,” he said. “And everyone in their hearts knows that when a stranger knocks on the door, you have to welcome them. It is inhumane, it is contrary to our nature to distract someone in need. Unfortunately, they do not help us and bring us to it.”
“Synod is a new way for the Church to continue … which depends on all its members, not the clergy itself,” Czerny said. “He returns to the early church and for us it is a great grace that this is underway, even though it will take time to implement.”
It is a great shift from the past pope and reflects Francis’s belief in listening.
“I was hit by Pope Francis’s willingness – even insistence – to listen to everyone, including those he may not agree with,” Czerny said. “This is a great lesson not only for the church, but also for the world.”
Pope for people
Czerny, who recently returned from mission to Lebanon, described that Francis’ message came to people through divisions.
“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 your message of solidarity to those who need it – and that is what I could do in Lebanon.”
At St. Peter’s Square soaked in rain, visitors echoed these feelings.
Hashin Al Ard, a Syrian-Canadian tourist, said Pope’s anti-war message was told. “As Syrians, we have been suffering a lot over the last years and we have finally released. He supports peace movements, so we support him and wish him well.”
Cardinals headed by State Secretary Pietro Parolin joined a large crowd of believers at St. Peter Square on Monday night for the prayer of the Rosary for the Health of Pope Francis. The Pope spent his 11th day at the Gemelli Roman Hospital while fighting pneumonia in both lungs, and the Vatican said on Monday to show signs of “light improvement.”
University student Giulia Marchesano agreed. “He is the pope of the people,” she said. “He is not only worried about Catholics or what is happening in the Vatican, but to everyone – sick, poor. This is important because Pope is a global figure, not just Catholic.”
Still, the Pope fell when it comes to the involvement of women who are opposed to allowing the priesthood, and 2slgbtq+ Catholics, whose unions and the Church are still not recognized as marriage, according to Elise Ann Allen, the Vatican observer with Crux news.
“There were many expectations when he came in and started using this inclusive language that this would be our moment,” she said about more progressive Catholics. “Francis showed that he was willing to open the door and talk about it, but he didn’t cross the line.”
What follows?
After more than 12 years at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis appointed almost 80 percent of the Cardinal Faculty, a shaping the body that would choose his successor.
And while the outcome of the conclavery is not as unpredictable as shown in the recent film ConclaveNo one knows how the next Pope will manage the church.
Referring to his time with the Pope, Czerny said that what is most characterized by Francis’s pontificate is his practical approach to the smallest world questions.
“The place to start is with reality – start with suffering, start with the problem, and then work out of there,” Czerny said. “Unlike first you understand things in your head and then try to apply. It is a very basic feature and the one I learned from him.”
Czerny confessed to uncertainty, but believes that Francis’ emphasis on synodals – inclusion and listening – whatever happens, will leave a lasting mark and that his approach will direct the church in the next chapter.
“He changed everything pastoral,” Czerny said. “He did not change dogma, but he changed the way the Church deals with people. And that is, I believe, what will define his legacy.”
