Syria’s top Christian leaders have condemned the killing and wounding of hundreds of Alawites, many of them civilians, by security forces and gunmen linked to the country’s new Islamist rulers.

In February, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging his administration’s support for in vitro fertilization, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Medical Association and other groups issued statements opposing the move, highlighting the many ethical problems with IVF.

With Pope Francis watching from the hospital, the preacher of the papal household told top members of the Roman Curia that eternity “is not just a future reward but a reality that begins here, in the measure in which we learn to live in love and communion with Christ.”

As Pope Francis’ condition remains stable, which is a sign of continued improvement, he followed the start of the Lenten retreat for the Roman Curia by video linkup and met again with two top Vatican officials to stay abreast of current events, the Vatican press office said.

Brad Keith Sigmon, who was convicted of the 2001 murders of Gladys and David Larke, his ex-girlfriend’s parents, was executed March 7 and was pronounced dead at 6:08 p.m.

The world needs the “miracle of tenderness” brought by people who accompany those experiencing illness or adversity, Pope Francis wrote.

The devil, who lies and sows divisions, tests everyone, even Jesus, Pope Francis said in a written homily.

After centuries of scientific testing and debate, the Shroud of Turin remains one of the most intriguing religious artifacts in the world for both sceptics and believers, researchers and theologians.

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the papal vicar, spoke about the need for a truly Christian vision of politics and public service Feb. 28 as he officially closed the diocesan phase of the sainthood cause of De Gasperi, who founded Italy’s Christian Democrat party and served as prime minister of Italy from 1945 to 1953.

An annual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day is looking to recenter the observance on Ireland’s patron saint and the spiritual strength that enabled him to live life fully and freely.