Cardinal - ""We are sure that Francis is already a saint"

Polish Cardinal Dziwisz canonizes Francis

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop Emeritus of Krakow and John Paul II's personal secretary for nearly four decades, stated in an interview with Il Fatto Quotidiano that he is convinced that Pope Francis "is already in the Lord's hands," asserting that he considers him a saint.

Dziwisz recalled how John Paul II, like Francis, faced serious health problems without renouncing his mission. "I saw firsthand how Pope Wojtyla considered whether he should continue when his physical strength declined, although he never lost his mental clarity. After consulting with Cardinal Ratzinger, he became convinced that he could not abandon the vocation the Lord had entrusted to him: he must persevere to the end,” he recounted. For Dziwisz, Francis followed a similar path, remaining faithful to his service even in the midst of suffering.

The Cardinal noted that the pain experienced by Francis evoked that of John Paul II in the final years of his life, and emphasized that both pontiffs “have taught us the value of suffering,” showing that it should not be avoided, but rather faced with meaning and faith. “He is a great example for all of us,” he said.

Regarding the future of the Church, Dziwisz emphasized the importance of the upcoming conclave: “I pray, like many, that a pope is elected who is totally dedicated to the good of the Church and society. The papacy has a profound social influence, and the next pontiff must think of the common good, peace, and all people. The Church cannot ignore social issues,” he concluded.

Cardinal Dziwisz will not participate in the Conclave as he is 85 years old.

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