The Agonizing Familiarity of the Pope’s Condition
Well-wishers who gathered in the dark to pray for Pope Francis on Thursday evening in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City heard his voice for the first time since the…
As Catholics Gather for Jubilee, Just One Thing Is Missing: Francis
Rome had spent months prepping up for the Roman Catholic Church Jubilee. It built tunnels, opened up squares and scrubbed moldy fountains. Now thousands of pilgrims were flocking from all…
Pope Experiences Another Setback With Respiratory Crises
Pope Francis had two acute respiratory crises on Monday, the Vatican said, stoking further concerns about the health of the 88-year old pontiff, who has been hospitalized in Rome in…
What Would the Church Say About End-of-Life Decisions for a Pope?
A respiratory crisis suffered by Pope Francis on Friday during his two-week hospitalization for pneumonia has added urgency to a delicate, and uncomfortable, question worrying many in the church: What…
In Pittsburgh, Many Sentiments About Pope’s Health Reflect Concern, Not Closeness
Congregants escaping the winter morning’s chill trickled into Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for Sunday Mass last weekend. There was a time when the massive brick church, which stands like…
Pope Francis Suffers a Setback, Inhaling Vomit
Pope Francis, hospitalized for two weeks, suffered a potentially serious setback on Friday, the Vatican said — a bronchial spasm that resulted in him inhaling vomit. It added that he…
Francis’ Illness Raises a Hard Question: Who Governs if the Pope Can’t?
Since being hospitalized with acute pneumonia for two weeks, Pope Francis has signed off on the appointment of 20 bishops, accepted the resignations of at least four and approved moving…
Pope’s Illness Is Surrounded by Intrigue Over Possible Resignation
Earlier this week, two top Vatican officials made a secret visit to see Pope Francis in the hospital. At first, the Vatican said it had no information about the meeting…
Pope Francis, in Critical Condition, Is ‘Resting’ in Hospital, Vatican Says
Pope Francis was resting on Monday at the Rome hospital where he has spent the past 10 days with pneumonia, a complex infection and now kidney problems that have all…
Pope Francis Had a Restful Night, Still in Critical Condition
Pope Francis spent a restful night at the Rome hospital where he has been in critical condition as he undergoes treatment for pneumonia and a complex infection, the Vatican said…