Written by Helen Strickland
Pope Francis fell ill with double pneumonia in February, and he has been at the hospital for an extended stay since then. He spent some time on a ventilator, but as of Tuesday, March 4, he only required a ventilator to sleep.
Harding is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, but students of varying denominations attend the school, including some Catholics. Though there are some differences between the Churches of Christ and the Catholic Church, College of Bible and Ministry professor Scott Adair emphasized the similarities between Catholicism and Protestantism.
“The things we agree on are the things that matter most.” Adair said. “For example Catholics and Protestants both believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that he is Lord. We both believe that God is One, and that he is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We both see the death and resurrection of Jesus as the central claim of our faith and basis of our hope. We both believe that God calls Christians to life in the church–which is the presence of Christ in the world. We both believe that in Christ humans are forgiven of sins. We both believe that God gives his Spirit to us to empower us and transform us into the likeness of Christ. We both believe that Jesus will return again to judge and redeem the world.”
Senior and self-proclaimed “cradle Catholic” Emma McDaris spoke of her thoughts about Pope Francis’ lengthy bout of illness.
“Having the head of our national church precariously, maybe hanging onto life is hard because we don’t know who’s going to be the next Pope,” McDaris said.
Senior and practicing Catholic Oscar Aldana expressed sympathy for the Pope amidst his extended hospital stay.
“I felt sad for him,” Aldana said.
Senior Emma Iglesias is a member of the Catholic Church as well, and she conveyed caring communal sentiments toward Pope Francis.
“His illness is deeply concerning, and I am keeping him in my prayers,” Iglesias said. “The whole Catholic community is concerned about him as he had been a guiding light for so many. I hope that as a community, we can all pray for his health and well-being.”
The possibility of the Pope’s death or resignation brings questions about the selection of a new pope. McDaris explained the process of electing a new pope: the cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and remain until a new pope is elected. During the selection process, black smoke is seen coming from the chapel. When a new pope is selected, the smoke becomes white, alerting the public to the change in events. McDaris spoke of how this can be a difficult process for the Catholic Church.
“[The pope is] a major Christian figure in the world,” McDaris said. “So we want someone that is going to speak the language of God, which is love, and we don’t want someone that is not going to do that.”
Aldana shared his opinions about Pope Francis.
“I like the pope because he addresses topics that are important to our lives,” Aldana said. I like how he cares a lot about the environment. I like how he says that the Earth is our house, and as such we need to care more about it.”
Iglesias also spoke highly of the pope’s character and his accomplishments.
“Pope Francis has been one of our generation’s greatest religious leaders,” Iglesias said. “He has touched the hearts of young people, guiding them with understanding, love and a firm sense of direction in times of uncertainty.”
Iglesias also shared a quote from Pope Francis directed at young people (such as college students):“You dream big dreams, but sometimes they are clouded by fear of not seeing them come true. To you who sometimes think you are not capable. To you, young people, who want to change the world—and it is good that you want to change the world. To you who want to change the world and fight for justice and peace. To you, young people, who put passion and creativity into life but feel like it is not enough. To you, young people, who are the present and the future. Yes, precisely to you, young people, today I say: Do not be afraid, do not be afraid. It is Jesus Himself who is looking at you right now, he is looking at you. He knows each of your hearts, he knows your life, your joys, your sorrows, your successes, and your failures. He knows your heart, and today he tells you: Do not be afraid.”
