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 and receiving them in a short prayer service, the Vatican said.
Archbishop: Pope is grateful for prayers, bears witness to God’s loving presence
Pope Francis has expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of prayers from all over the world, said Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who has visited the pope twice in the hospital.
Pope prays for wounded families, says forgiveness renews hope, healing
The best medicine to heal the pain of a wounded family is forgiveness, Pope Francis said.
Only a united global family can fix crises, archbishop says
One of the most serious emergencies today is that the world forgets about and does not attend to the common good and the needs of regular people, especially poor people, the head of the Pontifical Academy for Life said.
Archbishop: Pope’s convalescence is reminder everyone deserves proper care
Pope Francis’ extended hospitalization and care is a reminder that every human being, especially the frail or elderly, must be given proper care, said Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
Pope’s condition worsened after inhaling vomit, on stronger ventilation
After experiencing progressive improvement the past few days, Pope Francis experienced “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm” which led to coughing and “vomiting with inhalation,” which worsened his respiratory condition, the Vatican said.
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, said a cardinal who once served as an auxiliary bishop of Rome. “The pope offers profound meaning to human suffering — that same suffering that he himself has always flagged as […]
For those who embrace Christ’s love, death is not the end, pope writes
For those who recognize Christ as the savior, death is not an end or a form of “annihilation,” Pope Francis wrote in his general audience catechesis. It is a kind of “sister” that introduces the faithful departed to true life.
Faithful unite in St. Peter’s Square praying for pope’s health
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 day of his hospitalization for double pneumonia.
While still in critical condition, pope is showing slight improvement
The morning after Pope Francis’ doctors said that he remained in “critical” condition and showed initial signs of renal insufficiency, the Vatican press office said the pope was in “good spirits” and continuing his treatment.
Laws, ethical principles can ensure AI benefits all, speakers say
While the possible benefits of AI may outnumber its feared risks, a group of experts meeting in Rome insisted global legislation and ethical principles must be developed and applied now to protect human rights and curb or prevent possible harm.
Pope’s chronic lung condition plus infection are serious, doctor says
While Pope Francis’ life is not in immediate danger, the level of multiple infections in his lungs means he is not completely “out of danger,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of medical and surgical sciences at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.