Pope Francis: Navigating Busy Months and Church Reformation

Pope Francis, resuming activity post-summer, faces a busy schedule including international trips and a significant four-week Vatican meeting in October to discuss Church reforms. At 87, and dealing with health issues, observers see him in a race to solidify his legacy. Major decisions on Church practices and a new Vatican sexual abuse commission leader are anticipated.

Pope Francis, returning from his summer break, is gearing up for a whirlwind few months focused on travel and critical debates concerning the future of the Catholic Church. Observers view an elderly pontiff determined to cement his legacy by modernizing the institution.

In September, the 87-year-old pope, who increasingly relies on a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, plans to embark on two international trips, including a 12-day, four-country tour across Asia. He will also visit Belgium and Luxembourg, resuming his weekly general audiences after a month-long summer hiatus.

October will see Francis lead a four-week Vatican meeting with hundreds of Catholic bishops to deliberate on potential Church reforms. Discussions will tackle contentious issues, including the possibility of ordaining married men as priests and allowing women to serve as deacons. With such a packed schedule, analysts perceive a pope in a hurry to leave a definitive mark on the Church, known for fostering open, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations and reaching a broad audience.

(With inputs from agencies.)