St. Peter’s Square
Pope appears unable to climb a few steps as respiratory and mobility problems take their toll
By Associated Press — March 7, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Last Wednesday, Francis went to the hospital for unspecified diagnostic tests, the results of which have not been released.
Pope asks an aide to read a speech aloud for him, raising further concerns over his health
By Associated Press — March 4, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The 87-year-old Pontiff, who was taken to a Roman hospital on Wednesday for diagnostic testing after having to cancel some public audiences, handed his speech to his aide, Mons. Filippo Ciampanelli.
Top religious leaders in Haiti denounce kidnapping of nuns and demand government action
By Associated Press — January 22, 2024
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The Archdiocese, along with the Haitian Conference of the Religious, said in the letter that Haitians are tired of the “reign of terror” imposed by armed groups and called on government officials to protect people and their property.
Pope Francis says he’s doing better but again skips his window appearance facing St. Peter’s Square
By Frances D'emilio — December 4, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of people in the square followed his words from giant screens set up outdoors.
Pope Francis getting antibiotics intravenously for lung problem, limiting appointments, Vatican says
By Associated Press — November 28, 2023
ROME (AP) — The Vatican’s press office said on Monday that the inflammation was causing some respiratory difficulties for Francis.
The increasingly perilous lot of the pilgrim shows us all the path on climate
By Marqus Cole — September 22, 2023
(RNS) — People of faith can help bend the curve on emissions.
Pope Francis calls for peaceful end to the Niger crisis
By Associated Press — August 22, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — He called on the international community “to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible, for the good of all.”
Parliamentary inquest into ‘Vatican Girl’ mystery moves forward as pope acknowledges family’s pain
By Associated Press — June 28, 2023
ROME (AP) — Theories over the years have linked her disappearance at age 15 to everything from the plot to kill St. John Paul II, a financial scandal involving the Vatican bank and Rome’s criminal underworld.
Convalescing Pope Francis holds talks with Cuba’s president at Vatican
By Associated Press — June 21, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, in his first full week back at the Vatican following abdominal surgery, met on Tuesday with Cuba’s president, part of the Holy See's attention to the communist-led Caribbean island nation.
Rebounding Pope Francis marks Palm Sunday in Vatican square
By Frances D'Emilio — April 2, 2023
"I thank you for your participation and prayers, that in the last days you intensified,'' the pontiff told the crowd in St. Peter's Square, a reference to the many wishes he received for a quick recovery during his hospitalization.
Pope makes plea for end of violence, start of talks in Peru
By Associated Press — January 24, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Protests engulfing Peru began last month after then-President Pedro Castillo, Peru’s first leader with a rural Andean background, was impeached and imprisoned for trying to dissolve Congress.
Pope Francis’ key words for a marriage: ‘Please, thanks, sorry’
By Nicole Winfield — December 27, 2021
ROME (AP) — The pontiff penned a letter to married couples that was released Sunday, a Catholic feast day commemorating Jesus’ family.
At Easter blessing, Pope Francis addresses the world: ‘This is not a time for indifference’
By Claire Giangravé — April 12, 2020
(RNS) — On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis prayed for victims of the coronavirus pandemic and urged world leaders to work together for the common good.
Pope Francis showcases his commitment to immigrants with new statue at the Vatican
By Claire Giangravé — October 1, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — On Sunday, Pope Francis enshrined his commitment to immigrants and refugees by erecting a statue dedicated to the “angels unawares,” who every day put their lives at risk to find a new life in a new nation. The artwork is the first to be added to St. Peter’s Square in 400 years and depicts an issue central to Francis' pontificate.
Pope pays tribute to Iraqi Christians persecuted by Islamic State
By guest — December 26, 2016
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) Francis paid tribute to Middle East Christians who have clung to their faith during persecution by Islamist militants, saying there are more Christians martyrs now than in the Church's early days.
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