Venezuelan Catholics attended cheerful Masses and held processions on Feb. 26, the day after Pope Francis approved the canonization of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, a 19th-century medical doctor who modernized medicine in the South American nation and was known for his fervent faith and willingness to serve the poor.

Pope Francis remained in stable condition and did not suffer another respiratory episode a day after having “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm” that worsened his previously improving medical condition, the Vatican said.

The Trump administration “immediately terminated” its contract with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for refugee resettlement, effective Feb. 27, according to letters issued by the U.S. State Department a day earlier.

The same week Ukraine marked the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Donald Trump met with that country’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as separate meetings other world leaders, at the white House.

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 celebration of Marian spirituality.

The introduction of physician-assisted suicide bills in both houses of the Illinois Legislature during this legislative session has opponents lending their voices and life examples to the cause against hastening death as a way to avoid suffering.

Amid the chaos, Father Mullins said, it was the hand of providence that allowed the chaplaincy team to be present during the Feb. 17 crash at Pearson, where a jet crashed during its landing before flipping over in a fiery wreck on the tarmac.

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.

Vice President JD Vance said he was “surprised” by Pope Francis’ criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policy, but said he is praying for the pontiff’s recovery amid his hospitalization.

Liturgical leaders in the church must serve as humble guides to prayer rather than be strictly focused on the application of rules, Pope Francis said.