Noah Johnson

As Pope Francis’s health concerns rise, BSM campus minister Mr. J recommends praying for his recovery.

Pope Francis, at 87 years old, has faced alarming health concerns over the last few weeks, sparking conversations about his future as the leader of the Catholic Church. The Vatican says he is still working despite his health issues, but people are wondering about his future as pope and if he might step down as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013.

Pope Francis’ ability to carry out his responsibilities has likely been affected by his health, but the Church knows how to deal with these kinds of issues. Systems are in place to support him in his duties, and reports from the Vatican indicate that he has continued working even during periods of illness. “Fortunately, having elderly popes is not new to the Church, so the Church certainly has a system set up and people around him to be able to help him with his duties. However what we’ve heard from the Vatican is that there have been times that he’s been able to, even during his illness, continue to fulfill his job. So he’s working. He might not be feeling well, but he’s doing his job,” Becker said.

Although it has not gotten to a dangerous point the public wonders if the pope’s ongoing health worsens would he consider stepping down? Pope Benedict XVI stepping down in 2013 has made this idea more possible, though Pope Francis himself has indicated that he has no plans to resign. “He’s coming off of Pope Benedict XVI before him, who stepped down, and so it wouldn’t be something totally foreign to the Church, especially recently,” Becker said. “But I think Pope Francis has said recently that, I mean, not within the last couple of weeks, but he’s said that he doesn’t plan on stepping down. So who knows? His health could change, and that could make a difference, but I think he plans on sticking it out for the long haul,” Becker said.

Many Catholics have been turning to prayer for the Pope’s health. The U.S. bishops have released prayers for the pope, and numerous Catholic authors have shared prayers on social media, encouraging the faithful to support him spiritually. “I think, you know, just the normal prayers that we do, plus the U.S. bishops have put out prayers for the pope that can be used in different parishes… Several Catholic authors have submitted prayers through social media to pray for the pope during these days. His condition is so up and down. I mean, he was doing well, and then he got sicker again, and so right now, we’re just unsure of where all this is going,” Jeremiah said.

If Pope Francis were to step down due to his health, it would be only the second time in modern history. While this is not a common occurrence, the process of electing a new pope is well-established and would be carried out through a conclave of cardinals. “The only time this happened was with Benedict, so it hasn’t happened in our history…It would just be a matter of calling a conclave, bringing in the cardinals, and making a decision,” Jeremiah said.

As Pope Francis deals with his health issues, Catholics everywhere are paying close attention. No matter if he stays or steps down, he has already made a big impact on the Church. For now, people will keep praying for his strength and guidance.