I personally think Pope Pius XII was the suffering Holy Father, of whom Our Lady spoke. He might have been afraid to consecrate Russia because of what the reaction of his enemies would be if he did. I believe he even uttered his worries over the messages of Fatima, complaining that he saw all around him, enemies who wanted to tear down the sacred chapel, change the theology and liturgy of the Church, so much that he dared to say that there would come a time when 'people would seek the red lamp in vain' (of the tabernacle).
Methinks he was the 'suffering Pontiff'.
I do believe the Church will have a valid Pope again, who will make the consecration and restore the traditions and rights of the Church.