Pope improves further, doctors are optimisticTurn off your cell phone and turn on your soul: the power of digital abstinenceThe deception of feminismThe Pope's recent hospitalization has generated an expected level of speculation and debate in different sectors of public opinion. Beyond the concern for his state of health, all kinds of rumors and theories have arisen that have forced the Vatican to manage communication with great caution.
A proof of life
One of the most commented aspects has been the Vatican's decision to publish an audio of the Pope, last March 6, instead of an image. Many have been surprised by this strategy, especially because the Holy Father has been seen in a very weak state of health. The reason, surely, was the media pressure to offer a "proof of life", since in some forums it was suggested that the Pope had died days before and that the Holy See was hiding it... Something quite implausible but which has been accepted in many circles of opinion.
Social networks have become a breeding ground for all kinds of theories, with users and commentators questioning the transparency of official information. The decision to release an audio instead of an image only fueled speculation about the Pope's health, insinuating that his appearance could be so deteriorated that it was preferred to avoid showing it, despite the fact that the content of the audio also generated concern. In this regard, it is enough to recall the recent images of the Pontiff with a visibly swollen face during his last general audience, just two days before his admission to hospital.
In this regard, although some have pointed out that there were images of John Paul II convalescing in various hospital admissions, it should be noted that there were none in the last weeks of his life. In fact, in 1996, the Polish Pope established the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici GregisArticle 30 of the Pope's Constitution, which prohibits the taking of photographs of the Pope when he is ill. Obviously, this does not prevent a pope from deciding otherwise in his case, the general rule reflects a usual discretion desirable if one is ill.
An important disease
After three weeks in hospital, few doubt that the Pope's health will be greatly diminished if he manages to overcome this situation. And this despite the surprising ad on March 11, which opened the possibility for him to continue his rehabilitation outside the hospital. Throughout his stay at the Gemelli, medical reports have described his condition as "critical" on several occasions, although he has managed to remain stable over the last week. However, doctors have been extremely cautious and have not offered a clear prognosis on his evolution.
It is significant that the doctors consulted by the press to analyze the Pope's health are not very optimistic about his evolution, especially that he will be able to return to the Vatican and resume a life of a certain normality. We are talking about a person whose lifestyle is completely unusual compared to that of any other person of his age and medical condition.
From the Vatican, the discretion is understandable: making a hasty prognosis could increase the pressure for the Pope to resign, which, in turn, would activate a whole wave of rumors about a possible conclave. The mere possibility of a papal succession would trigger all kinds of internal movements in the Church and external pressures from various sectors with an interest in the election of the next Pontiff.
Anointing of the sick
One detail that has hardly been commented on is the lack of information on whether the Pope has received the anointing of the sick. Francis himself explained last year in a catechesis that this sacrament is not exclusively for those on their deathbed, but should also be administered to elderly or seriously ill people. Reporting on whether Pope Francis has received the sacrament could have been a valuable opportunity for a catechesis on the importance of its reception and its effects on Christian life.
Surely the Pope will have received this sacrament, but the Vatican is once again between a rock and a hard place, since reporting it would trigger speculation about the seriousness of his health condition.
Right to be sick in peace
Beyond his medical situation, it is essential to remember that the Pope, like any human being, has the right to live through the process of illness - let alone if it is an illness that debilitates him until death - with serenity and without the media and political pressure that inevitably surrounds him.
Although his condition is delicate, he deserves the time and peace of mind necessary to face his last days, weeks or months with the dignity that befits them. His predecessors, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, also publicly lived their illnesses as a testimony of faith and hope. Francis, in his own style, also has the right to give a catechesis on illness and suffering, leaving a legacy in this regard, regardless of how much time he has left in his ministry.
Analyses on the hypothetical conclave and the papabili are particularly indelicate. At this moment, beyond the speculations and tensions inside and outside the Church, the most important thing is that Catholics accompany him with our prayers so that God may comfort him and do what is best for the Church. March 13 marks the twelfth anniversary of his arrival at the papal throne, another occasion to pray for him.
