Pope Francis's belief in listening will have lasting legacy, says Canadian cardinal
Pope’s appeal stems from inviting more voices into church decision-making, says Cardinal Michael Czerny
Pope Francis remains hospitalized with double pneumonia, and while Vatican updates say he is resting well with slight improvement, his condition is still critical — with deep concern over his health leading to questions about the future of the Catholic Church.
Despite the health emergencies, Vatican sources say he continues to work, on Tuesday appointing Richard Smith as Archbishop of Vancouver and discussing pending sainthood cases with his second-in-command, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Among those keeping close tabs on the Pope's health is Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, a fellow Jesuit closely aligned with Francis's priorities and the first Canadian Francis elevated to cardinal, in 2019.
Czerny, who heads the Vatican's social justice and migration office, meets with the Pope once a month — most recently, three weeks ago.
"He was having some difficulty breathing," Czerny told CBC. "Otherwise, he was his old self … the sense of humor, the close attention to the issues, real concern for the poor, real concern for the church."
More voices in church decision-making
Outside the Vatican's walls, Pope Francis's appeal stems not only from his outspoken advocacy for social justice, environmental protection, and welcoming migrants and refugees, but also from his leadership on what the Catholic Church calls "synodality," said Czerny, an approach that invites more voices into church decision-making.
Francis's vocal defence of migrants has made him a polarizing figure in an era of rising nationalism. From the crackdown on migrants under U.S. President Donald Trump to the growing influence of far-right, anti-migrant parties across Europe, his message of inclusion has clashed with governments tightening their borders.
Czerny says that's exactly why Francis has struck such a deep chord.
"We all know we have to respond to the challenge of the climate. Everybody knows it. But our leaders don't have the courage to lead us in responding," he said. "And everybody knows in their hearts that when the stranger knocks at the door, you have to welcome them. It's inhuman, it's contrary to our nature to turn someone away in need. Unfortunately, we're not being helped and led to that."
"The synod is a new way for the Church to proceed … that depends on all its members, not the clergy alone," Czerny said. "It goes back to the early Church, and it's a great grace for us that this is now underway, even though it will take time to implement."
It's a major shift from past popes and reflects Francis's belief in listening.
"I've been struck by Pope Francis's willingness — even insistence — on listening to everyone, including those he may disagree with," Czerny said. "This is a great lesson not only for the Church but for the world."
A Pope for the people
Czerny, who recently returned from a mission to Lebanon, described how Francis's message reaches people across divides.
"Every meeting I had in Lebanon included prayers for him … also with non-Christians," he said. "The best prayer for the Holy Father is to carry his message of solidarity to those in need — and that's what I was able to do in Lebanon."
In a rain-soaked St. Peter's Square, visitors echoed this sentiment.
Hashin Al Ard, a Syrian-Canadian tourist, said the Pope's anti-war message speaks to him. "As Syrians, we suffered a lot during the past years and finally we got liberated. He supports peace movements, so we support him and wish him well."
University student Giulia Marchesano agreed. "He's the pope of the people," she said. "He doesn't care just about Catholics or what goes on at the Vatican, but about everyone — the sick, the poor. This is important because a pope is a global figure, not only a Catholic one."
Still, the Pope has fallen short when it comes to including women, whom he opposes allowing into the priesthood, and 2SLGBTQ+ Catholics, whose unions he and the church still do not recognize as marriage, according to Elise Ann Allen, a Vatican observer with The Crux news site.
"There was a lot of expectation when he came in and started using this inclusive language that this would be our moment," she said of more progressive Catholics. "Francis demonstrated he was willing to open the door and talk about it, but he did not cross the line."
What comes next?
After more than 12 years at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis has appointed nearly 80 per cent of the College of Cardinals, shaping the body that will choose his successor.
And while the outcome of conclaves aren't quite as unpredictable as that depicted in the recent film Conclave, no one knows how the next pope will steer the Church.
Looking back on his time with the Pope, Czerny said what most characterizes Francis's pontificate is his practical approach to the world's most pressing issues.
"The place to start is with reality — start with the suffering, start with the problem, and then work from there," Czerny said. "As opposed to figuring things out in your head first and then trying to apply it. That's a very basic trait of his, and one that I've learned from him."
Czerny acknowledged the uncertainty but believes Francis's emphasis on synodality — inclusion and listening — will, whatever happens, leave a lasting mark and that his approach will guide the Church in its next chapter.
"He has changed everything pastorally," Czerny said. "He hasn't changed dogma, but he has changed the way the Church engages with people. And that, I believe, is what will define his legacy."
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