Amid Health Concerns, Pope Francis Hints At Continuing, Approves 3-Year Long Process For Catholic Reforms

Vatican City: Pope Francis approved a new three-year process to consider reforms for the global Catholic Church, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday. This move signaled that the 88-year-old pontiff intends to continue his papacy despite his ongoing battle with double pneumonia.

Church Reform Process Extended Until 2028

Francis extended the work of the Synod of Bishops, a key initiative of his 12-year papacy, which has already discussed reforms such as the possibility of women serving as Catholic deacons and better inclusion of LGBTQ people in the Church. The synod, which held an inconclusive Vatican summit of bishops on the future of the Church last October, will now hold consultations with Catholics worldwide over the next three years. A new summit is expected in 2028.

Also Read: Human Landing on Mars by 2031? Elon Musk Says Starship Carrying Optimus to Launch by 2026

The pope approved the new process for reforms on Tuesday while at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been receiving treatment. The Vatican issued the update on Saturday.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized for over a month, sparking speculation about his future as pope. His prolonged public absence made some wonder whether he might follow the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, and resign. However, friends and biographers of the pope have firmly stated that Francis has no intention of stepping down. The approval of the new three-year reform process further reinforced this, indicating his desire to continue despite the challenges he faces in recovering from pneumonia.

Cardinal Calls Pope’s Decision a “Sign of Hope”

Cardinal Mario Grech, the Church official leading the reform process, expressed optimism, saying, “The Holy Father... is helping push the renewal of the Church toward a new missionary impulse. This is truly a sign of hope.”

Following last October’s inconclusive Vatican summit, where no concrete action was taken on potential reforms, questions arose about whether Pope Francis's papacy was losing momentum. Vatican officials at the time noted that Francis was still evaluating future changes and was awaiting a series of ten reports on possible reforms by June.

Recent medical bulletins from the Vatican have shown that the pope is improving and is no longer in immediate danger of death. However, no specific date has been given for his discharge from the hospital.