Cameroon’s possible inclusion in the itinerary of Pope Leo XIV’s first African trip is drawing growing debate, as security concerns, political tensions and moral objections raise questions about whether the country is ready for a papal visit.

After decades of anticipation and a cause marked by unexpected delays, the Diocese of Peoria has announced that Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen — beloved evangelist, television pioneer and native son of Illinois — will at last be beatified, a joy-filled announcement that comes only after years of legal disputes and renewed scrutiny briefly slowed his path to the altars.

Once dubbed “God’s microphone,” Archbishop Sheen announced God’s truth in a nonconfrontational, yet no less life-giving, manner to untold millions through radio, print and television.

Venerable Fulton J. Sheen will soon be beatified, now that the Vatican has given the green light, the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, announced Feb. 9. No date or location for the beatification was given.

The Vatican press office confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has no plans to visit the U.S. this year.

The March for Life rally, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and several buildings at The Catholic University of America were among infection sites for confirmed measles cases in the District of Columbia, the capital city’s health department said Feb. 7.

A video posted on President Donald Trump’s Truth Social account that depicted former first couple President Barack and Michelle Obama as apes was deleted after widespread outrage denounced the content as racist.

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver and named as his successor Bishop James R. Golka of Colorado Springs, Colo.

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul Feb. 6 made good on her promise that early this year she would sign a bill into law allowing physicians to aid terminally ill adults in dying by suicide.

Media entrepreneur and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, whose arrest nearly six years ago prompted outrage around the world, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.