Pope Francis is hospitalized for double pneumonia after a recent health scare. His papacy, noted for liberal views, has been complicated by past accusations related to Argentina’s ‘Dirty War.’ Accusations emerged concerning his alleged role in the arrests of two Jesuit priests, though he has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintains his innocence amidst political tensions during his tenure as archbishop.
As Pope Francis battles severe health issues, including double pneumonia, the Vatican disclosed that he experienced a coughing fit that resulted in inhaling vomit, necessitating non-invasive mechanical ventilation. He has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14. Although his prognosis remains guarded, he has remained conscious and cooperative with medical interventions during this critical time.
The global community has united in prayer for the Pope, whose twelve-year papacy has expanded his following beyond Catholicism due to his progressive stances on various social issues such as gender inequality and immigration. His tenure has earned him a reputation as one of the most liberal popes in the history of the Catholic Church.
However, his early papacy was overshadowed by accusations regarding his actions during Argentina’s ‘Dirty War’, which entailed a brutal crackdown by the military government on perceived opponents and civilians between 1976 and 1983. The military junta’s reign involved systematic human rights violations, where an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 individuals were subjected to enforced disappearances, torture, and murder in an effort to quash dissent.
Amid this tumultuous period, accusers claimed that then-Father Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later Pope Francis, had betrayed Jesuit priests Orlando Yorio and Francisco Jalics by failing to support their work in impoverished areas of Buenos Aires, leading to their arrest and torture. Despite these claims, Father Jalics later stated that he bore no blame towards the newly elected Pope, while the Vatican defended Pope Francis’s actions and denied any wrongdoing.
Following years of scrutiny, in April 2023, the Pope addressed his critics, expressing that the chaotic situation during the dictatorship had given rise to a misleading narrative about his involvement. He stated, “…in the end my innocence was established,” reaffirming that the allegations had been manipulative attempts by those in power to discredit him.
Pope Francis currently faces serious health challenges while reflecting on accusations from his early years in Argentina during a period of violent military oppression. The legacy of the ‘Dirty War’ continues to haunt him, with unresolved allegations despite his assertions of innocence. As he navigates this personal and health crisis, the global community remains watchful and supportive of his leadership amid ongoing historical scrutiny.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
