Pope Francis has recently approved a three-year reform plan for the Catholic Church, showing he intends to keep serving as pope despite a health scare that sent him to the hospital for a month with pneumonia. This decision was made while he was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, marking one of the longest times he’s spent in a hospital since becoming pope.
These reforms are significant. They include increasing women’s roles in the Church, such as potentially ordaining women as deacons. The aim is to involve laypeople more in governance and decision-making processes within the Church.
The Synod of Bishops has played a crucial role in shaping these reforms. It serves as a platform for discussing the future direction of the Church and has notably included voices from around the world. Recently, for the first time, females participated as voting members in two assemblies held in October 2023 and 2024. These gatherings lasted nearly a month, focusing on inclusive discussions that would help form new guiding documents.
Still, the issue of ordaining women as deacons remains open. Women in this role could perform various responsibilities similar to those of priests but cannot celebrate Mass or hear confessions. The reform document insists that women be given opportunities to lead and act within the Church’s framework.
Looking ahead, Francis’s reforms will lead to an “ecclesial assembly” planned for October 2028. This assembly will be unique as it will gather a broader spectrum of Church members, including clergy and laypeople. By that time, Pope Francis will be 91 years old. If a new pope is elected before this assembly concludes, that leader would need to continue the reform initiatives that Francis has started.
Interestingly, this momentum for reform responds to some bishops and church leaders who have quietly opposed Francis’s plans. Cardinal Mario Grech, who is in charge of the synod office, noted that the latest initiatives would also reach local churches. This provides those dioceses that have not fully engaged in the synodal process a chance to catch up and develop their teams.
Since returning from the hospital, the pope has remained active, signing important documents, meeting with top aides, and appointing new bishops. Currently, he is reported to be stable, showing gradual improvements. Although he still needs hospital care, the reliance on non-invasive ventilation has decreased.
It’s important to keep in mind that while this hospitalization has been concerning, it was shorter than previous ones, including Pope John Paul II’s 55-day stay at the same hospital.
With these ongoing reforms, Pope Francis is not only working to modernize the Church but also addressing the pressures from internal dissent. As these changes unfold, many in the Catholic community will be watching closely to see how they impact the Church’s future.
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