Faith does not mean suffering in silence

Michael M. Canaris of the Catholic Star Herald noted that the world is praying for Pope Leo XIV following recent developments regarding the pope's health. While some associates described the news as shocking given the pope's active lifestyle, Canaris observed that cancer rates are increasing globally even as death rates decrease due to medical progress and improved screening.

In response to the pope's illness, many people have turned to novenas and intercessory prayers to Saint Peregrine Laziosi and Saint Bernardino of Siena, who are patrons of cancer patients and those with lung ailments. Canaris also highlighted Saint Sigfrid of Wearmouth, a seventh-century deacon and abbot in northern England. After a pestilence killed many of his fellow monks in 686, Sigfrid lived with a respiratory illness for the remainder of his life. According to the Venerable Bede, Sigfrid maintained his mental acuity and virtues despite his physical infirmity.