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An ailing Pope Francis – and the vultures circling in the Vatican
An unholy war is brewing in the Catholic Church, said Paola Totaro in The Australian (Sydney). While “Conclave”, a film about the “murky web of curial politics”, is getting Oscar-season buzz, in the real-world Vatican “a series of events has unfolded behind the Leonine Walls in past months that are just as intriguing”. With only one lung, the fragile 88-year-old Pope Francis sparks alarm with “every cough or hospital admission”. Around him, the vultures circle – devising strategies to ensure their preferred candidate becomes the next leader of the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion faithful.
On one side are Francis’s progressives, who want to modernise the Church; on the other, conservative traditionalists who fear “a shift too far on issues of capitalism, homosexuality, abortion and the role of women“. This week, an unabashed Pope Francis appointed an Italian nun, Sister Raffaella Petrini, to run the Vatican City State – the first time a woman has ever been given the role. Women make better managers than men, said the Pope, adding: “Women have been running things since the Garden of Eden.”
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It has been a challenging time for Pope Francis as he battles health issues, with reports of fatigue and difficulty walking. As the leader of the Catholic Church, his well-being is of utmost importance not just to the faithful, but also to those within the Vatican.
However, amidst this period of vulnerability, there are vultures circling in the Vatican. Some are speculating about a power vacuum and potential successors, while others are questioning the Pope’s ability to lead effectively in his current state.
It is crucial during this time of uncertainty and concern that we remember the importance of compassion and support for Pope Francis. Let us not succumb to the temptation of gossip and speculation, but instead focus on sending prayers and well wishes for his recovery.
The Catholic Church has weathered many storms throughout its history, and it is in times like these that the strength of faith and unity is tested. Let us stand in solidarity with Pope Francis and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit to navigate through these challenging times.
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Pope Francis health update, Vatican turmoil, Pope Francis illness, Vatican power struggle, Pope Francis news, Vatican controversy, Pope Francis health crisis, Vatican leadership crisis, Pope Francis health concerns, Vatican politics
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