By Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, former secretary to the late Pope John Paul II, has expressed confidence that Pope Francis will not step down due to his current health challenges.
Speaking on Wednesday, Dziwisz stated, “One does not come down from the cross of Christ. Never. This is what Saint John Paul II teaches us.”
The 85-year-old cardinal, who served John Paul II for decades, referenced the late pope’s decision to remain in office despite serious health issues and an assassination attempt in 1981.
While Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013 set a modern precedent, Dziwisz, who criticized that decision at the time, believes Pope Francis will follow John Paul II’s example of serving until death.
Pope Francis, now 88, has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14.
Dziwisz noted that just as John Paul II continued to lead the Church from his private apartment while battling severe illness, Francis is now doing the same from his hospital room.
The cardinal stressed that Pope Francis will remain at the helm of the Catholic Church “as long as God wills,” firmly connected to his calling and responsibilities.
