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Pope Francis' recent hospitalization for double pneumonia has prompted reflections on the importance of providing proper care to all individuals, especially the elderly and frail. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, emphasized this point during a news conference at the Vatican on March 3.
"What I would hope is that what we do for the pope we must do for everybody, for all the elderly, for all those who are alone, for all the abandoned," Archbishop Paglia stated. He highlighted Pope Francis' situation as an "extraordinary magisterium on frailty," noting that it serves as a reminder of our shared vulnerability and the need to care for one another.
Currently in his 18th day at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis remains under guarded prognosis due to two respiratory crises requiring supplemental oxygen and non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
The archbishop addressed questions regarding the Catholic Church's stance on medical treatment and care. The church teaches that essential life-supporting treatments should not be suspended if they benefit the body. However, aggressive or disproportionate procedures extending life precariously may be renounced.
Archbishop Paglia explained that even a pope follows this path: "The pontiff is a person like every believer so we say that even when someone cannot be cured, one must always provide care."
In 2017, Pope Francis supported ceasing aggressive treatments in certain cases. He advocated accompanying dying individuals with love and professional care without unnecessarily prolonging their lives.
Reflecting on Pope Francis' Angelus message from March 2 where he mentioned feeling "blessed" amid frailty, Archbishop Paglia said this sentiment stems from trusting in divine support during vulnerable times. The pope feels strengthened by people's prayers, which should extend to anyone suffering to ensure they are not abandoned.
When asked about missing Pope Francis during his recovery period, Archbishop Paglia responded: "We miss him so much. That’s why it is good we pray for him to come back soon," emphasizing the need for universal figures like him in public discourse.
