Pope Francis: Health Concerns Amid Accusations from Argentina’s ‘Dirty War’

Pope Francis is critically ill, receiving treatment for double pneumonia in Rome. His papacy is noted for progressive views but remains marred by accusations related to Argentina’s ‘Dirty War’. The military dictatorship’s crackdown resulted in thousands of deaths and human rights violations. Accusations against the Pope include alleged complicity in the arrests of Jesuit priests during this period. Despite his defense of innocence, scrutiny of his past continues amidst current health concerns.

As Pope Francis continues to face critical health challenges, the Vatican announced on February 28, 2025, that he experienced a serious coughing fit that led to inhaling vomit, necessitating the use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The 88-year-old Pope has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14 for treatment of double pneumonia. Despite the difficulties, the Vatican reported that he remained conscious and cooperative through the recovery process, with medical staff requiring 24-48 hours to assess his overall condition.

Throughout his twelve-year papacy, Pope Francis has garnered global admiration for his progressive stances on various issues such as gender equality, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights, earning the reputation as one of the most liberal pontiffs in history. However, his early presidency was overshadowed by accusations relating to Argentina’s ‘Dirty War’, a seven-year military crackdown on perceived dissenters that resulted in widespread human rights violations.

The ‘Dirty War’, as per declassified CIA documents, was initiated by a military junta that overthrew President Isabel Perón. The regime targeted leftist insurgents, resulting in an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 deaths through systemic violence and torture. This oppressive regime closed down the national legislature, imposed censorship, and created secret prisons to imprison dissidents, which led to significant public outcry and eventual democratic restoration in 1983.

Pope Francis faced heavy scrutiny due to accusations that he betrayed two Jesuit priests, Orlando Yorio and Francisco Jalics, by not supporting their work in Buenos Aires slums. These priests were arrested in 1976 for allegedly aiding guerillas and suffered torture for five months. Despite his critics, Father Jalics did not blame him, acknowledging their reconciling views. The Vatican maintained that there was no evidence substantiating these claims against the Pope.

During his contentious tenure in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis had a turbulent relationship with President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who accused him of political bias and sought to diminish his influence. On April 29, 2023, in a private conversation, Pope Francis defended his actions during the dictatorship, asserting, “The situation was really very confused and uncertain… my innocence was established” – Pope Francis. He reiterated that influences from the government had motivated efforts against him.

Pope Francis’s health remains a subject of global concern, while accusations linked to Argentina’s turbulent past continue to haunt his legacy. Historical context surrounding the ‘Dirty War’ illustrates the complexities of governance and human rights violations that transpired under military rule, with ongoing debates about accountability. As the Pope navigates his health challenges, the interplay of past actions and current roles in leadership continues to be scrutinized as part of his narrative as the leader of the Catholic Church.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com