Pope Francis Leading the Church during illness

Genesis Labana

In an unprecedented display of dedication, Pope Francis continued to lead the Catholic Church with a firm hand, even as he spent 38 days confined to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital – the longest hospitalization in his 12-year papacy. Admitted on February 14, 2025, with double pneumonia and at one point reportedly in critical condition, the 88-year-old Pontiff demonstrated a strong commitment to his papal duties, echoing his own sentiment from a 2022 interview: “One governs with the head, not the knee”.

Despite the seriousness of his illness, which was described by his medical team as a near-death experience, Pope Francis remained mentally sharp and actively involved in the governance of the Church. The Vatican provided regular updates on his condition, reassuring the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide of his ongoing treatment and recovery.

A Flurry of Papal Activity Amidst Illness

From his hospital room, Pope Francis continued to address key matters facing the Church and the world. Demonstrating his active role in administration, he made a significant number of appointments, totaling 44, including the naming of new bishops, nuncios, and Vatican officials.

His concern for global issues also remained utmost. Pope Francis consistently appealed for peace in regions afflicted by conflict, including Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, the Middle East, Myanmar, DRC, and Sudan. He specifically denounced the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and calling on the international community to take action.

Notably, Pope Francis maintained daily WhatsApp calls with Holy Family Parish in Gaza, offering psychological, emotional, and spiritual support to the community. These brief check-ins, which began on October 9, 2023, just days after the Hamas attacks on Israel, were described as vital for the parishioners, whose children affectionately call the Pope “the grandfather.”

Messages and Governance from the Hospital

Pope Francis also communicated with the faithful and address important themes through written messages. During his hospitalization, he sent seven messages for March and 2 for February, in addition to two Jubilee messages. Despite his efforts, he was unable to attend the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture on February 16 and the Jubilee of Deacons on February 23. He also used his voice to callout Europe’s growing militarization and emphasize the need for diplomacy in a message to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, written from his hospital room.

His dedication to the future of the Church was evident in his continued work on significant initiatives. He approved a three-year plan focused on implementing the reforms initiated by the recent synod on synodality and initiated a three-year preparation process for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly, aiming to build on progress without convening a new Synod.

Furthermore, Pope Francis actively progressed the Causes of Saints. He authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate various decrees, recognizing the “offering of life” of diocesan priest Emil Joseph Kapaun and lay faithful Salvo D’Acquisto, and the heroic virtues of Michele Maura Montaner, Didaco Bessi, and Cunegonda Siwiec, all as Servants of God. He also approved the canonization of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros and Blessed Bartolo Longo and decided to convene a Consistory regarding these upcoming canonizations.

Personal Activities and Public Presence

While prioritizing his papal duties, Pope Francis also engaged in personal activities within the confines of his hospital stay. He attended Mass in his hospital apartment and received the Eucharist regularly. He also read newspapers and alternated between rest, prayer, and work. During his medical isolation, he received visits from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and key Vatican officials, including Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, Mgr Edgar Peña Parra. As a sign of his improving health, Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over five weeks by offering a blessing from his hospital room’s window on March 22, 2025.

Pope Francis’s sustained leadership during his prolonged illness underscores his deep commitment to the Catholic Church. His actions from the hospital serve as a powerful testament to his earlier assertion that leadership transcends physical limitations, emphasizing the enduring importance of intellectual and spiritual guidance. His resilience and dedication are indeed an inspiration to Catholics and many others worldwide.

Photo: CNN