Pope Francis is hospitalized due to double pneumonia and has faced accusations regarding his actions during Argentina’s Dirty War. Since his 2013 papal election, he has been a pivotal figure in social issues while continuously defending his past conduct regarding two Jesuit priests in the Dirty War era. Amidst health concerns, the legacy of his controversial history remains a topic of discussion.
Pope Francis is currently hospitalized in critical condition due to complications from double pneumonia, including an isolated coughing fit that led to inhaling vomit. He has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14, 2025, with doctors monitoring his prognosis over the next 24-48 hours. Despite his condition, he has remained conscious and cooperative with medical staff, prompting widespread prayers from his followers globally.
Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis, known for his progressive stance on social issues such as immigration and LGBTQ rights, has also faced scrutiny over his actions during Argentina’s ‘Dirty War’, a brutal period from 1976 to 1983 when the military junta executed a campaign against dissenters. This regime resulted in the deaths of an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 people and included human rights abuses across various societal sectors, which eventually led to widespread public outrage.
During the Dirty War, accusations arose against the pope regarding his inaction on behalf of two Jesuit priests, Orlando Yorio and Francisco Jalics. The priests were arrested in 1976, suspected of aiding leftist guerrillas, and later tortured. Yorio’s family accused Father Bergoglio, who was then the head of Argentine Jesuits, of effectively putting the priests at risk by not supporting their work publicly. Notably, Jalics later stated he had reconciled with the past and did not blame Bergoglio.
The Vatican defended Pope Francis, asserting that no evidence was found to support the accusations made against him. Amidst public and political tensions, especially related to his relationship with then-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, he faced a challenging tenure as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Notably, he received scrutiny for his public engagements in slums and political interactions.
Reflecting on the events of the dictatorship, Pope Francis asserted in a private conversation on April 29, 2023, that he was vilified with false narratives about his actions during that turbulent time. He claimed that those in power were intent on discrediting him, but his innocence was eventually affirmed by a judge he interacted with during an investigation into his role.
The legacy of Pope Francis, particularly regarding his past actions amidst national trauma, highlights the complexities he navigated during a politically charged atmosphere. While he garnered a reputation as a liberal voice in the Church, the shadows of Argentina’s Dirty War continue to cast doubt on his history and actions during a time of widespread state-sponsored violence.
Pope Francis, now in critical health, is remembered not only for his progressive papacy but also for his controversial past during Argentina’s Dirty War. His actions during that time remain under scrutiny, especially following accusations regarding two Jesuit priests. Despite these challenges, he has continuously defended his past, asserting his innocence and navigating complex political landscapes. As his health improves, the discourse surrounding his historical role persists, revealing the intricate relationship between faith and politics.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
