Pope returns to Vatican after long hospitalization
ROME (CNS) -- Immediately before leaving Rome's Gemelli hospital after more than five weeks of treatment for breathing difficulties, double pneumonia and...
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Pope to return to Vatican, prescribed to continue rest, doctors announce
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis will return to his residence in the Vatican March 23 after spending 38 days in Rome's Gemelli hospital for treatment...
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Ukraine war confirms humanity can 'rely only on God,' nuncio says
(OSV News) -- The apostolic nuncio to Ukraine said that recent events regarding Ukraine have shown that the only true weapon that can bring peace is prayer. “As...
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Papal preacher: Stay anchored in Christ, live hope during Holy Year
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The papal preacher urged cardinals and senior officials of the Roman Curia to remain firmly anchored in Christ through lives of humility,...
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Kidnappers kill young Nigerian seminarian
(OSV News) -- A young seminarian has become the latest victim of killings in Nigeria, the West African country where attack and kidnapping of Catholic...
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Biographer: In 12 years since election, Francis demonstrates papacy is a mission, not a job
(OSV News) -- As Pope Francis celebrates 12th anniversary of his election in the hospital, the papal biographer told OSV News that the pontiff has "given...
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Vatican unveils 'lost' Renaissance painting of the deposition of Christ
VATICAN CITY (CNS) --A painting of Christ being laid in the tomb, long hidden under layers of overpainting and forgotten by history, will once again be...
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King Charles, Queen Camilla hope to meet pope at Vatican in April
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla confirmed their plans to meet at the Vatican with Pope Francis in early April in an...
Read MorePope has reduced need for overnight supplemental oxygen, Vatican says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis spent the night without a breathing mask, the Vatican press office said March 18, indicating that his need for supplemental...
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Holy Land collection is sign of solidarity, faith, hope, cardinal says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While anchored in the hope that comes from Jesus' resurrection, Catholics should not forget the "tears, despair and destruction everywhere"...
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Speakers: Church has role in fight against AI-generated exploitation
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Catholic Church needs to expand its safeguarding efforts to include the new threats and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence,...
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Lenten lectures are back at Notre Dame, marking a 'grand retour' of a Parisian classic
PARIS (OSV News) -- The traditional "Lenten Conferences" resumed at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this Lenten season, for the first time since the fire...
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European bishops address 'rising tensions' as Trump talks to Putin, Zelenskyy
(OSV News) -- As President Donald Trump held new talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin March 18, followed by a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy...
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Pope's doctors report more improvement, but no date for his release
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis no longer needs the "noninvasive mechanical ventilation" he has used most nights since experiencing a breathing "crisis"...
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Pope appeals to communicators to assist peacemakers by disarming words
ROME (CNS) -- People in the world of news and communications need to understand the full importance of words, Pope Francis wrote. While war offers no...
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Improved condition means pope can briefly go without supplemental oxygen
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has been able to spend brief moments of the day without any supplemental oxygen, which is yet another sign of the gradual...
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Shroud of Turin to be digitally showcased during Holy Year
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Shroud of Turin, one of Catholicism's most valued devotional items, will be digitally showcased during the Holy Year 2025, allowing...
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Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization
ROME (CNS) -- For the first time since Pope Francis was hospitalized in mid-February, the Vatican press office released a photograph of him March 16; the...
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Pope stable, has reduced need for oxygen overnight
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After more than a month in the hospital, Pope Francis' condition continues to be stable, the Vatican said March 15, and he gradually...
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Pope approves next phase of synod, setting path to 2028 assembly
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has approved the next phase of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, launching a three-year implementation process that...
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As ceasefire talk continues, Zelenskyy says he spoke with Cardinal Parolin
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As the United States continues to attempt to broker a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy...
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Papal preacher: Neglecting Mass means losing sight of heaven
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Failing to attend or celebrate Mass is not just skipping a religious obligation -- it is a sign that one's spiritual hunger is withering,...
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In message, pope thanks Italian movement for supporting 'culture of life'
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Defending the life of the unborn should be a sign of being in solidarity "with all the discarded of the world," Pope Francis said...
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Pope's condition continues to improve; he is following Lenten retreat
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' condition continued to be stable with further slight improvements March 11, the Vatican press office said. The pope's...
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Pope's chest x-ray confirms his improvement, doctors say
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' condition continues to be stable and a chest x-ray "confirmed the improvements recorded in the previous days," his...
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Death, even a pope's, is a 'beautiful passage,' preacher tells Curia
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Death, even that of a pope, should not be seen as a tragedy but as a transition filled with Christian hope, the preacher of the papal...
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Papal anniversary: For 12 years he's said, 'Don't forget to pray for me'
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As Pope Francis prepared to spend the 12th anniversary of his election at Rome's Gemelli hospital, people at the Vatican and around...
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Pope out of danger but to remain in hospital
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis is no longer considered in imminent danger from his lung infection, but he will remain in Rome's Gemelli hospital for...
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500 days after statute of limitations lifted in Rupnik case, priest 'does his work,' travels world
TURIN, Italy (OSV News) -- It's been 500 days since the Oct. 27, 2023, papal lifting of the statute of limitations in the case of Father Marko Rupnik,...
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Jesus gives faithful guidance, strength to fight temptation, pope writes
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The devil, who lies and sows divisions, tests everyone, even Jesus, Pope Francis said in a written homily. Satan tries to convince...
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Pope follows Lenten retreat from hospital; his condition remains stable
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As Pope Francis' condition remains stable, which is a sign of continued improvement, he followed the start of the Lenten retreat...
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Pope text: Those facing illness, adversity need 'miracle of tenderness'
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The world needs the "miracle of tenderness" brought by people who accompany those experiencing illness or adversity, Pope Francis...
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Pope's 'complex' condition remains stable; he continues to rest, work
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis continues to rest, pray, follow his doctors' prescribed therapies and work a bit throughout the day, the Vatican press...
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Pope, in short audio message, thanks people for their prayers
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- On his 21st day in Rome's Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis recorded a 27-second audio message thanking people for their prayers. Played...
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Former Vietnamese communist nurse who once baptized sick child will be baptized at Easter
(OSV News) -- Dau Kieu Giang, who baptized a child when she was an atheist and Communist Party member, is now getting ready to be baptized herself during...
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Like St. John Paul II, pope shows untiring will to serve, says cardinal
ROME (CNS) -- Like St. John Paul II, Pope Francis knows the "cross of Christ is never abandoned" and that everything is in God's hands, said Cardinal Stanislaw...
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Fatima statue to visit Rome for Jubilee of Marian Spirituality
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The original statue of Our Lady of Fatima will make a rare journey from its shrine in Portugal to Rome in October 2025 for a Jubilee...
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Pope text: Ash Wednesday teaches human fragility, Gospel hope
ROME (CNS) -- The journey of Lent "unfolds amid the remembrance of our fragility and the hope that, at the end of the road, the Risen Lord is waiting for...
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Doctors report pope's condition is stable
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- On his 21st day in Rome's Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis' condition remained stable, and he continued his respiratory and physical...
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Cardinal: Dignity lies at heart of church's stance on gender
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The infinite and inalienable dignity inherent in every human being has practical consequences which include protecting everyone's...
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Pope marks Ash Wednesday in hospital, receiving ashes, Eucharist
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis marked Ash Wednesday on his 20th day in Rome's Gemelli hospital by taking part in the rite of the blessing of the ashes...
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Mary's search for Jesus reflects every Christian's journey, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Despite her distress at losing the 12-year-old Jesus, Mary's search for her son is a model of every Christian's journey to deepen...
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The suffering Holy Father gathers us around Mary when we're helpless, cardinal says
(OSV News) -- Since Feb. 24, the faithful, led by cardinals and bishops, have prayed the daily rosary in St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis' recovery....
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Pope is 'stable' day after suffering breathing crises, remains alert
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has not had any further respiratory crises a day after he experienced two of them, the Vatican said, and his condition...
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The Shroud of Turin: A mystery that continues to fascinate
SYDNEY (OSV News) -- After centuries of scientific testing and debate, the Shroud of Turin remains one of the most intriguing religious artifacts in the...
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Pope no longer on mechanical ventilation after respiratory crises
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The morning after suffering two acute episodes of respiratory crisis, Pope Francis no longer needed oxygen through a breathing mask,...
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As U.S. pauses military aid, EU bishops call for unity in supporting Ukraine
(OSV News) -- Following the announcement that U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a "pause" on U.S. assistance to Ukraine, Catholic bishops in the European...
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Public prayers for ailing pope show affection, faith, cardinal says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The nightly recitation of the rosary for Pope Francis and for all the sick "is a beautiful gesture" of affection and of faith, said...
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Pope suffers episodes of respiratory crisis, remains alert
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis suffered "two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency" March 3 but remained alert, the Vatican said, giving cause...
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No peace treaty possible without truth, justice, Ukrainian bishops say after diplomatic dispute
(OSV News) -- Ukrainian bishops spoke up as international reaction continued over U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance's Feb. 28 televised...
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God, honor, homeland: Polish 'cursed soldiers' remembered for their steadfast faith
WARSAW, Poland (OSV News) -- The story of the Polish "cursed soldiers" is about the highest price one can pay for their desire for freedom and one about...
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Pope selects theme centered on hope for church's celebration of migrants
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has chosen "Migrants, missionaries of hope" as the theme for the Catholic Church's celebration of World Day of Migrants...
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Vatican secretary of state, Lithuanian president discuss Ukraine crisis
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, welcomed Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda to the Vatican March 3, Russia's...
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Archbishop: Pope's convalescence is reminder everyone deserves proper care
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' extended hospitalization and care is a reminder that every human being, especially the frail or elderly, must be given...
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Pope, from hospital, writes about 'blessing' hidden in frailty
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' condition remained "stable" March 2, and he "did not require non-invasive mechanical ventilation, but only high-flow...
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Day after breathing crisis, pope's condition is stable
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis remained in stable condition and did not suffer another respiratory episode a day after having "an isolated crisis of...
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Vatican decree on 19th-century doctor's canonization leaves Venezuelans rejoicing
(OSV News) -- Venezuelan Catholics attended cheerful Masses and held processions on Feb. 26, the day after Pope Francis approved the canonization of Blessed...
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UPDATE: Pope's condition worsened after inhaling vomit, on stronger ventilation
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After experiencing progressive improvement the past few days, Pope Francis experienced "an isolated crisis of bronchospasm" which...
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Pope continues to improve, is doing respiratory therapy
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' clinical condition continued to improve Feb. 27, the Vatican said, and he had respiratory physiotherapy in the morning...
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Vatican: Names of alleged abusers cannot be published without proof
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican Dicastery for Legislative Texts strongly cautioned against publishing "news" that would harm the reputation of an individual,...
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Tens of thousands of Israelis line streets for funeral procession for Bibas family
JERUSALEM (OSV News) -- Tens of thousands of mourners Feb. 26 lined the streets as the funeral procession for Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and...
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Pope's condition shows 'further slight improvement'
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' condition showed "further slight improvement" in the previous 24 hours, the Vatican said in its evening medical bulletin...
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Even from hospital, pope gives powerful witness of faith, prelates say
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Despite his illness, age and hospitalization, Pope Francis is still demonstrating his deep faith and exercising his role as pontiff,...
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For those who embrace Christ's love, death is not the end, pope writes
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- For those who recognize Christ as the savior, death is not an end or a form of "annihilation," Pope Francis wrote in his general...
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Despite 'critical' condition, pope is working from hospital room
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a sign affirming that Pope Francis has been able to conduct work while in the hospital, the Vatican said the pope had met with...
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Faithful unite in St. Peter's Square praying for pope's health
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A light drizzle finally let up as hundreds of faithful headed to St. Peter's Square to pray the rosary for Pope Francis on the 11th...
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Pope in good spirits; Vatican to host rosary for him in St. Peter's Square
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The morning after Pope Francis' doctors said that he remained in "critical" condition and showed initial signs of renal insufficiency,...
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Pope's condition still 'critical' with signs of renal insufficiency under control
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' condition remained "critical" the evening of Feb. 23, his doctors said, with blood tests showing "initial, mild renal...
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Pope's breathing 'crisis' reportedly passes, but he's still on oxygen
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While Italy's main news agency reported that Pope Francis' respiratory "crisis" had subsided, a Vatican source said he was still...
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