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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Pope has respiratory 'crisis,' doctors say 'prognosis reserved'
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis experienced "an asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude, which also required the use of oxygen at high flows"...
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Pope's doctors say their patient is fragile but is not giving up
ROME (CNS) -- Briefing reporters on Pope Francis' medical condition, two of his doctors also gave them glimpses of a patient who is physically fragile,...
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Pope's chronic lung condition plus infection are serious, doctor says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While Pope Francis' life is not in immediate danger, the level of multiple infections in his lungs means he is not completely "out...
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Israel devastated by 'macabre' return of child hostages' bodies as ceasefire holds
JERUSALEM (OSV News) -- Israel has identified three of the bodies of hostages returned Feb. 20 but said the body of Shiri Bibas -- mother of two red-headed...
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Vance shines global spotlight on case of British army vet prosecuted for silent prayer
LIVERPOOL, England (OSV News) -- The British army veteran prosecuted for silently praying in front of an abortion clinic was, to his own surprise, caught...
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CORRECTED: British pro-lifers urge church to speak out in wake of nation's worst public abortion scandal
(OSV News) -- Pro-life campaigners have urged Britain's Catholic bishops to speak out against pressure for abortions. This comes after thousands of women...
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Pope's condition stable; tests show some improvement
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' doctors described his condition as "stable" late Feb. 19 even though "blood tests, evaluated by the medical staff,...
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African church organizations 'devastated' amid USAID shutdown, call for dialogue on program cuts
NAIROBI, Kenya (OSV News) -- As the United States paused foreign assistance to countries across the world, confusion, panic and desperation has gripped...
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Pope continues to rest, do paperwork at hospital
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The morning after the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis has double pneumonia, the director of the Vatican press office said the pope...
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Pope diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After undergoing a CT scan Feb. 18, Pope Francis was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, the Vatican said. "The follow-up chest...
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British pro-lifers urge church to speak out in wake of nation's worst public abortion scandal
(OSV News) -- Pro-life campaigners have urged Britain's Catholic bishops to speak out against pressure for abortions. This comes after thousands of women...
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Church leaders discuss evangelization through culture at Vatican meeting
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Evangelizing through culture is a challenge for the church, especially in societies where faith is seen as "something alien," participants...
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As pope remains in hospital, Vatican announces schedule changes
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In another sign that Pope Francis' stay in Rome's Gemelli hospital will continue for some time, the Vatican announced a substitute...
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Pope's therapy adjusted again after tests reveal 'polymicrobial infection'
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- On his fourth day in Rome's Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis was without fever and devoted some time to work, the Vatican said. "The...
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Pope, from hospital, thanks people for their prayers
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- From his room on the 10th floor of Rome's Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis thanked everyone who is praying for his recovery and asked...
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Pope appoints religious sister to run Vatican City State
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist Raffaella Petrini, secretary-general of the office governing Vatican City State, will become president...
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Engagement with culture must be central to Catholic life, cardinal says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Catholics cannot confine their faith to the liturgy but must fully engage and dialogue with the culture that surrounds them, said...
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Cardinal Parolin: Palestinians must not be deported from Gaza
ROME (CNS) -- The same week U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his idea of emptying Gaza of more than 2 million Palestinians so it could become a "Riviera...
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Pope hospitalized for tests, bronchitis treatment
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After suffering from bronchitis for more than a week and having obvious difficulty breathing, the 88-year-old Pope Francis was admitted...
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Nicaragua calls Vatican 'depraved' for keeping Bishop Álvarez as head of two dioceses from afar
ROME (OSV News) -- Nicaragua's government issued a harsh statement Feb. 8 condemning the Vatican following remarks by exiled Bishop Rolando Álvarez...
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Pope adds feast day of St. Teresa of Kolkata to universal calendar
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has added the feast day of St. Teresa of Kolkata, a "beacon of hope" and an example of loving service to the poorest...
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Pope to U.S.: Migration policies built on force, not truth, 'will end badly'
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has urged U.S. Catholics and people of goodwill to not give in to "narratives" that discriminate against and cause unnecessary...
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