Pope Francis has approved a three-year extension to the Catholic Church’s reform process, showing his determination to continue leading despite spending a month in hospital battling pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pope, who has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli doctor since February 14, signed off on the decree, according to the Vatican.
The Vatican stated that “on March 11, the Holy Father clearly approved the beginning of a process of rhythm and evaluation of the Synod’s implementation phase.”
The changes aim to increase the number of women in the Church, including the possibility of having woman deacons ordained, and to enhance the involvement of laypeople in management. The major organization implementing these changes is the Synod of Bishops, which has already held two significant meetings in 2023 and 2024. Women were given election freedom for the first time at these sessions. The issue of ordaining women as deacons is, however, still unanswered.
The new schedule extends the transformation process until 2028, when the Vatican will host an “ecclesial assemblage.” This meeting, in contrast to previous synods, may involve bishops, clergy, priests, nuns, and laypeople. Therefore, Francis will turn 91, making it possible for his successor to inherit the continued reform agenda.
The improvement allows more regional churches to get involved in the change process despite the objections of some church leaders.
Pope Francis has continued to be effective in leadership, signing papers, meeting assistants, and appointing priests from his hospital base despite his health problems.
However, the Vatican has stated that Pope Francis is improving but also needs a number of in-patient treatments.
” The Holy Father’s medical conditions have remained firm, confirming the progress made in the last week. The Holy Father also requires hospital health care, motor and breathing physiotherapy, and other medical care, according to a Vatican health bulletin. These treatments are currently making steady improvements, the Vatican said.
