News & Commentary

Pope Francis waves to a crowd of well-wishers at Rome's Gemelli hospital before returning to the Vatican March 23, 2025, after 38 days of treatment at the hospital.

Pope returns to Vatican after long hospitalization

Immediately before leaving Rome's Gemelli hospital after more than five weeks of treatment for breathing difficulties, double pneumonia and infections, Pope Francis greeted hundreds of people who gathered outside the hospital March 23.
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Sister Erin McDonald, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, speaks during the Nuns on the Bus & Friends nonpartisan voter engagement and education rally in Brentwood, N.Y., Oct. 2, 2024. The U.S. church marks the 10th anniversary of Catholic Sisters Week March 8-14. (OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

Catholic Sisters Week marks 10 years celebrating women religious’ mission

They're compassionate doctors. Inspiring teachers. Committed advocates for justice. Steady guides on the spiritual path. Catholic sisters in America simply can't be stereotyped.
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The moon is seen behind the cross on top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican as people gather to pray the rosary for Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square March 3, 2025. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)

Pope suffers episodes of respiratory crisis, remains alert

Pope Francis suffered "two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency" March 3 but remained alert, the Vatican said, giving cause for concern after two days in which his condition was described as "stable."
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Giuseppe Perazzo holds a sign expressing support for Pope Francis outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital March 2, 2025, while people gather around a statue of St. John Paul II to pray for Pope Francis, who is hospitalized there. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Pope, from hospital, writes about ‘blessing’ hidden in frailty

As he continues to receive treatment in Rome's Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis sent written thanks for people's prayers, but he did not go to his hospital window as some people had hoped.
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Balloons featuring an image of Pope Francis are seen outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital Feb. 27, 2025, while the pope is being treated there for double pneumonia

Pope continues to improve, is doing respiratory therapy

Pope Francis' clinical condition continued to improve Feb. 27, the Vatican said, and he had respiratory physiotherapy in the morning and the afternoon.
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A new study from Pew Research shows a leveling off in the decline of the number of U.S. residents identifying as Christian.

Pew: US Christianity downturn leveling, but Catholics suffer ‘greatest net losses’

A multiyear decline in Christianity in the U.S. may have leveled off, according to a new survey by Pew Research Center. However, the Catholic Church, the survey found, is seeing the greatest net losses of believers compared to other religions in the ...
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A federal judge in Maryland has halted a Trump administration policy rescinding long-standing restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from making arrests at what are seen as sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools and hospitals.

Judge blocks policy permitting ICE arrests at some places of worship

A federal judge in Maryland has halted a Trump administration policy rescinding long-standing restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from making arrests at what are seen as sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools and hospitals.
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