Vatican Historian Uncovers 10,000 Appeals from Persecuted Jews

Pope Francis, aged 88, is facing a serious health crisis as he battles pneumonia in both lungs. According to The Sun, the pontiff has privately expressed concerns to his aides that he may not survive this illness and is reportedly preparing for his legacy, including considerations for a successor. He was hospitalized last Friday at Rome's Gemelli hospital after a week-long fight against bronchitis that worsened significantly. Despite an earlier update from the Vatican indicating that he was in stable condition, reports on Wednesday revealed that Pope Francis had a peaceful night but is still facing challenges due to asthmatic bronchitis, which is complicating his pneumonia treatment. Doctors are treating him with cortisone and antibiotics, as his respiratory infection is attributed to a mix of viruses and bacteria. Following his admission, the Vatican disclosed that the Pope has undergone various tests, including chest X-rays, due to his complicated medical history, which includes the removal of part of his right lung in his youth. His hospitalization underscores the serious nature of his condition, with both lungs affected by the infection.

Pope Francis, 88, has developed pneumonia in both lungs while receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, according to a statement from the Vatican on Tuesday. The pontiff was initially admitted for bronchitis last week, but his condition worsened, necessitating a change in treatment due to a "polymicrobial infection" along with pre-existing respiratory issues, including bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis. The Vatican reported that laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and a follow-up CT scan revealed bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional drug therapy. Despite these health challenges, Pope Francis is said to be in "good spirits," alternating between rest, prayer, and reading, while remaining connected with the public by sending messages during mass. The visitations and prayers from pilgrims and tourists continue, as many express hope for his recovery. Francis has dealt with various health issues since becoming pope in 2013 and has not ruled out the possibility of resigning should his health significantly decline. However, he stated that he does not currently have a "serious cause" to consider stepping down.

In a significant move, Pope Francis has officially dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Catholic religious community that had faced multiple allegations of sexual and psychological abuse. The community, which originated in Peru and boasted around 20,000 members at its peak, confirmed the dissolution on Monday through a statement, although no detailed reasons were provided. The Sodalitium, founded in 1971 by Luis Fernando Figari, received formal recognition as a Catholic community in 1997 by Pope John Paul II. Over the past decade, it had been under investigation by both Peruvian authorities and the Vatican. A report released in 2017 highlighted that Figari and several high-ranking members had abused at least 19 minors and 10 adults. Pope Francis, who has made addressing sexual abuse in the Church a priority during his papacy, had previously expelled Figari from the community in 2024. In a rare action, the pope's decision to dissolve the community emphasizes the Church's ongoing efforts to confront scandals related to abuse. The Vatican's future approach to similar communities under scrutiny remains to be seen.