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Vatican City, Mar 23, 2025 / 06:22 am (CNA).

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis.

Follow here for the latest news on his health and hospitalization:

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CNA Newsroom, Mar 23, 2025 / 07:04 am (CNA).

Shortly before returning to his home in the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis made a brief appearance from a fifth-floor balcony of the Gemelli Clinic in Rome to a crowd of faithful gathered outside the hospital.

The moment marked his first public engagement in weeks. Waving and giving a "thumps-up" before blessing the faithful gathered outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the pontiff briefly thanked one well-wisher for bringing flowers for the occasion.

After the short interaction, the Holy Father was discharged from the hospital and taken to the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, where he delivered flowers to place before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani.

Afterward, he returned to the Vatican, according to the Holy See.

The pontiff prepared a written message published by the Vatican while briefly appearing at approximately noon to greet the faithful and impart his blessing.

"During this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and health care workers as well as in the attentiveness and hopes of the patients' families," Francis noted.

"This confident patience, anchored in God's love that never fails, is truly necessary for our lives, especially to face the most difficult and painful situations."

In his written address, the pope reflected on this third Sunday of Lent's Gospel reading about the barren fig tree, drawing parallels between the patient farmer in the parable and God's merciful approach to humanity.

On the situation in Gaza, the pope called for a ceasefire and "that weapons be silenced immediately; and that there be the courage to resume dialogue, so that all hostages may be freed and a definitive ceasefire reached."

Francis emphasized that the humanitarian situation in Gaza "is once again extremely serious and requires the urgent commitment of the warring parties and the international community."

On a more positive note, the Holy Father expressed satisfaction with diplomatic progress in the Caucasus region.

"I am pleased, however, that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the final text of the peace agreement," he said. "I hope that it will be signed as soon as possible and can thus contribute to establishing a lasting peace in the South Caucasus."

Convalescing in Casa Santa Marta

Prior to his window appearance and return to the Vatican, Pope Francis briefly met with medical staff and the hospital leadership to thank them for his treatment.

Hospital officials indicated on Saturday that the pope will continue convalescing at his apartment in Casa Santa Marta for at least two months and will require ongoing oxygen therapy during his convalescence.

Doctors said at a Saturday press conference that Francis would undergo a "protected discharge" and would "still have to carry out" treatment "for a long time."

This story was updated on March 23, 2025, at 8:25 a.m. ET with additional information released by the Holy See Press Office.

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ACI Africa, Mar 23, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

The African branch of the global Catholic activist organization CitizenGo is urging the government of Kenya to pursue diplomatic intervention for a Kenyan facing execution in Vietnam.

CitizenGo Africa officials say the life of Margaret Nduta, a young Kenyan woman sentenced to die in Vietnam following a court ruling in July 2023, should be given top priority.

In a March 16 report, CitizenGo officials said: "We urgently petition Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, prime cabinet secretary of the Republic of Kenya, to immediately intervene through diplomatic channels."

"A simple diplomatic call from Nairobi to Hanoi could significantly alter Margaret's fate by advocating for her sentence to be commuted and served in Kenya, preventing her execution abroad," they added.

As of March 19, the execution of Nduta, a 37-year-old Kenyan woman found guilty of drug trafficking, had been postponed, offering a glimmer of hope to her family and supporters.

Nduta was arrested in July 2023 at Ho Chi Minh City Airport while traveling to Laos after authorities reportedly discovered two kilograms of cocaine that was concealed in a false compartment of her suitcase.

Despite her claims of being unaware of the suitcase's contents, she was convicted on March 6 and initially scheduled for execution by lethal injection on March 17. 

The Kenyan government has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure clemency or a stay of execution for Nduta.

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei reportedly communicated with Vietnamese officials, expressing the Kenyan people's concerns and requesting a postponement of the execution to explore alternative resolutions.

Nduta's family, residing in Kenya's Murang'a County, has been fervently praying and appealing to President William Samoei Ruto to intensify efforts for her safe return.

Her family maintains that Nduta was unaware of the drugs in her luggage, suggesting she may have been duped by those facilitating her travel. They have expressed profound gratitude for the postponement of her execution.

Diplomatic negotiations are ongoing, with Kenyan officials seeking a resolution that could allow Nduta to serve her sentence in Kenya.

In their March 16 petition, CitizenGo officials said Nduta's "tragic story highlights the vulnerability of many Kenyans exposing them to exploitation and extreme dangers overseas."

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.

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CNA Newsroom, Mar 23, 2025 / 07:04 am (CNA).

Shortly before his expected release on Sunday, Pope Francis spoke about his long period of hospitalization during his Angelus address.

The moment marked his first public engagement in weeks. Waving and giving a "thumps-up" before blessing the crowds gathered outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the pontiff briefly thanked one faithful for bringing flowers for the occasion.

After the short interaction, the Holy Father returned to his hospital room.

The pontiff, scheduled to be discharged on March 23, prepared a written message published by the Vatican while briefly appearing at approximately noon to greet the faithful and impart his blessing.

"During this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the attentiveness and hopes of the patients' families," Francis noted.

"This confident patience, anchored in God's love that never fails, is truly necessary for our lives, especially to face the most difficult and painful situations."

During his address, the pope reflected on this Third Sunday of Lent's Gospel reading about the barren fig tree, drawing parallels between the patient farmer in the parable and God's merciful approach to humanity.

On the situation in Gaza, the pope called for a ceasefire and "that weapons be silenced immediately; and that there be the courage to resume dialogue, so that all hostages may be freed and a definitive ceasefire reached."

Francis emphasized that the humanitarian situation in Gaza "is once again extremely serious and requires the urgent commitment of the warring parties and the international community."

On a more positive note, the Holy Father expressed satisfaction with diplomatic progress in the Caucasus region.

"I am pleased, however, that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the final text of the Peace Agreement," he said.

"I hope that it will be signed as soon as possible and can thus contribute to establishing a lasting peace in the South Caucasus."

Convalescing in Casa Santa Marta

The Vatican announced on Saturday that the pontiff would be discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, following more than a month of treatment. Hospital officials indicated he will continue convalescing at his apartment in Casa Santa Marta for at least two months and will require ongoing oxygen therapy during his convalescence.

Doctors said at a Saturday press conference that Francis would undergo a "protected discharge" and would "still have to carry out" treatment "for a long time."

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CNA Staff, Mar 22, 2025 / 14:09 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, the Vatican said on Saturday afternoon, with the Holy Father leaving the facility after spending more than a month there amid a health crisis. 

Hospital officials said on Saturday that the pope will continue convalescing at his apartment in Casa Santa Marta for at least two months.

Francis first entered the hospital on Feb. 14, more than a month ago. He was treated for several conditions while there including bilateral pneumonia.

Sergio Alfieri, the director of the department of medical and surgical sciences at the hospital, said at a Saturday press conference that Francis would undergo a "protected discharge" and that he will "still have to carry out" treatment "for a long time."

The pope will continue to receive oxygen during his ongoing convalescence, Alfieri said.

As recently as Friday doctors were still uncertain as to when the Holy Father would be discharged from the hospital. In recent days the Vatican has regularly reported that the pope's condition has continued to improve.

The Vatican had said earlier on Saturday that Francis would make his first public appearance in weeks on Sunday, with the pope scheduled to appear at a window of the Gemelli Hospital and greet visitors following the Angelus prayer.

Alfieri said on Saturday that doctors at the hospital "were all in charge to try to solve the problem" of the pope's health struggles.

"Today we are happy to say that tomorrow he will be home," he said.

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Vatican City, Mar 22, 2025 / 13:47 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis.

Follow here for the latest news on his health and hospitalization:

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CNA Staff, Mar 22, 2025 / 14:09 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, the Vatican said on Saturday afternoon, with the Holy Father leaving the facility after spending more than a month there amid a health crisis. 

Hospital officials said on Saturday that the pope will continue convalescing at his apartment in Casa Santa Marta for at least two months.

Francis first entered the hospital on Feb. 14, more than a month ago. He was treated for several conditions while there including bilateral pneumonia.

Sergio Alfieri, the director of the department of medical and surgical sciences at the hospital, said at a Saturday press conference that Francis would undergo a "protected discharge" and that he will "still have to carry out" treatment "for a long time."

The pope will continue to receive oxygen during his ongoing convalescence, Alfieri said.

As recently as Friday doctors were still uncertain as to when the Holy Father would be discharged from the hospital. In recent days the Vatican has regularly reported that the pope's condition has continued to improve.

The Vatican had said earlier on Saturday that Francis would make his first public appearance in weeks on Sunday, with the pope scheduled to appear at a window of the Gemelli Hospital and greet visitors following the Angelus prayer.

Alfieri said on Saturday that doctors at the hospital "were all in charge to try to solve the problem" of the pope's health struggles.

"Today we are happy to say that tomorrow he will be home," he said.

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London, England, Mar 22, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Across the United Kingdom this Lent, vigils outside abortion clinics have continued despite government attempts to stop their work of prayer for the unborn and offering of support to women with a crisis pregnancy.

A total of 11 vigils in 10 cities across the United Kingdom are going ahead throughout Lent through the 40 Days for Life campaign, a similar number to what have taken place annually since the first U.K. vigil was held in 2009. This year they stretch from Glasgow in Scotland to Bournemouth on the southern coast of England.

Volunteers for the campaign now agree to stay outside the minimum 150-meter (almost 500-foot) "buffer zone" that now surrounds all U.K. abortion centers. Within these areas, "influencing" people who attend the clinics has been illegal since Oct. 31, 2024.

There have been a number of high-profile cases where pro-life activists acting on their own initiative have stood silently praying within a buffer zone and have been arrested or prosecuted.

Although these measures have reduced the number of volunteers at some vigils this Lent — and the increased distance of the vigils from the clinics has decreased the number of women offered support — they have also increased the resolve of some volunteers.

"The more we are attacked and the more challenges we face, the more motivated I am to engage in pro-life work," said Sarah Bignell, who leads the 40 Days for Life campaign in Ealing, West London.

As the vigils take place, retired scientist Livia Tossici-Bolt awaits a verdict from Poole Magistrates Court for allegedly breaching a buffer zone in Bournemouth. She stood quietly and held a sign that read "Here to talk, if you want," which led to several "consensual conversations." She was issued a fine for these actions but refused to pay, leading to the court case.

This is the same court where health care worker and veteran Adam Smith-Connor was convicted last year for silent prayers — a case raised by U.S. Vice President JD Vance in February at the Munich Security Conference as an example of restrictions on freedom in Europe.

One of the vigil leaders is Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, a longtime pro-life activist in the U.K. She has been arrested twice for merely standing silently within a "buffer zone," although she received a 13,000 pounds (approximately $17,000) compensation payment for wrongful arrest. Videos of her interactions with police on these occasions have gone viral on social media.

As a leader for the 40 Days for Life vigil in Birmingham in the Midlands, she stays outside the buffer zones.

"We haven't had any reaction from the authorities and have had a smooth start to the campaign here in Birmingham," Vaughan-Spruce told CNA. "Our kickoff event went really well with a fantastic turnout — the hall was packed full and standing room only, which was very encouraging." She said local priests, seminarians, and Christian volunteers from different denominations have joined in the vigils this year.

Vaughan-Spruce said women are responding to signs offering help, and volunteers have even seen cars drive up to the clinic, turn around, and drive away again.

In Ealing, where the first "buffer zone" was imposed around a Marie Stopes clinic in 2018, volunteer numbers have fallen, which is blamed on COVID and then the mistaken belief that the vigils are now illegal.

"The frankly ridiculous ban on prayer and an offer of help hinders us, in that we are so far away from the abortion centers we obviously meet less women and therefore can offer less help," said Clare McCullough, the director of U.K. pregnancy support charity the Good Counsel Network, which supports the two vigils in London. "However, God is at work during 40 Days for Life especially, because of all the prayer and fasting around the world, and we still see women choosing life."

When those at the vigils do get the opportunity to talk with women, they find that the women are often unaware what support is available to help them raise a child. The Ealing vigil helped a woman who believed her asylum claim would be rejected unless she had an abortion. McCullough said her organization offers financial support, help with child care, and "lots of moral support."

Far from being discouraged by government pressure, volunteers describe being encouraged by evidence that their prayers influence the women to choose life.

For example, one woman approached a volunteer and said she had felt a strong urge to reject abortion when inside the clinic after a friend sent her a picture of an unborn baby.

"God is working through our prayers when we couldn't be there," Bignell said. "Many women chose to accept help offered at the vigils, even 500 meters up the road."

Leaders are upbeat and hopeful that their work to prevent abortions will succeed in the long run. 

"The more crazy the law gets, the more media coverage we get," said Robert Colquhoun, who leads the 40 Days for Life international campaigns. "This has impacted the consciences of millions of people ... we have stories of people who have changed their minds."

"Living in this Orwellian craziness … we just keep calm and carry on. At some point there will be change."

Buffer zones are not the only means by which authorities are putting pressure on pro-life activists in the U.K. In February, nursing student Sara Spencer was removed from her midwifery training course in Scotland for merely expressing pro-life views online. 

"The level of attacks we get seem like a disproportionate response, compared to our vigils — we are just a small group of volunteers with rosary beads and leaflets offering help," Bignell said. "And yet we have had the media, abortion providers, and Parliament enacting laws against us. This is why it is apparent this is a spiritual battle that we are involved in."

In 2022 there were 251,377 abortions in England and Wales according to official statistics, a sharp increase compared with the previous year. The upcoming release of 2023 numbers is expected to be higher.

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Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mar 22, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

A New Mexico diocese is offering a unique opportunity for young men to affirm their faith and literally build up the Church in the American Southwest.

Until March 31, the Diocese of Gallup is accepting applications for the 2025 St. Kateri Rosary Walk internship program. Started in 2019, the program is finishing its building project and seeks to complete an outdoor plaza and chapel in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the saint known as the Lily of the Mohawks, St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

The internship is available to young men 18 and over and runs from May until Aug. 1. The missionaries will receive free housing, meals, travel to various local sites, and a stipend of $5,000.

William McCarthy, CEO of the Southwest Indian Foundation, which is cooperating with the program, told CNA that the program "provides intense leadership training to encourage manliness and Catholic faith to last a lifetime," adding that "the men who come here will build a beautiful, lasting shrine for Our Lady and St. Kateri."

Bishop James Wall of Gallup is on the board of the nonprofit guiding the project and serves as a chaplain to the interns. The men working on the project live at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center and receive spiritual and academic formation. They also have time for visits and travel to enrich their appreciation of the traditions and natural world of the region.

The first Native American saint who resided in what became the United States, Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656 in present-day New York state. She consecrated her life to Christ despite persecution by her own people.

According to the program website, "her near-daily walks through nature became a powerful symbol of the beauty of life. Kateri found comfort in her constant prayer and meditation along with her deep belief that even in hardships, God was always present."

"Our program is based on three essential elements: One is physical, challenging these guys and getting them into great shape with labor and medical attention. Another is spiritual, which is more important, and a somewhat monastic life. They pray in the morning and evening, have daily Mass, and are plugged into Catholic prayer life. The third feature is the mentors and speakers all summer. There's also a lot of music," McCarthy said.

The interns are required to surrender their electronic devices during the week but are allowed to use them on Sundays. "This is a unique opportunity for a young man," McCarthy noted.

Scope of project

Once completed, the St. Kateri Rosary Walk will feature four trails representing the mysteries of the rosary. Along each trail are five "nichos" or shrines made from traditional adobe and stucco construction typical of the Southwest. Each of them will feature one of the mysteries of the rosary made of tile conceived by a native artist as well as sacred images. 

Victoria Begay, a member of the Diné or Navajo people, serves as interim director of the rosary walk. In an interview with CNA, she stressed that the project melds Native American reverence of creation with a strong Catholic faith. 

"We want to strengthen our relationship with God and we are bringing native and Catholic values together in one place, providing a profound spiritual experience for everyone who comes through, whether from North America or the rest of the world," Begay said. 

The site is on a hill overlooking Gallup and offers vistas for miles around, including the extensive Navajo reservation. Begay said it offers a natural place to pray, and noted: "That's what Kateri did. She left her backyard and walked where there were trees and nature. We'd like to provide that space for everyone to experience creation, to meditate, to pray." 

Dividends of participating

Joseph Meyers, a recent college graduate from Kansas City, Kansas, told CNA that he spent two summers working on the rosary walk. "It's still nourishing me to this day," said Meyers, who plans to attend law school. 

Meyers said he and his comrades spent each day of the week working hard on construction but with time in the evenings and weekends for hiking and exploring as a group.

"It is a male formation experience: no phones, no tech, no distractions, not a lot of comfort. We're at a time in the world and the Church where masculinity is in crisis. The things holding men back are basic things like comfort, distraction, isolation, and addiction, which is the worst," Meyers said.

Invigorated prayer life, he said, was encouraged by group prayer, Scripture study, and liturgies, which were coupled with physical challenges. For Meyers, the experience was life-changing.

"People didn't recognize me when I came back. I was lean and brown and fit. All of the guys needed something like this and walked away as different people than when they came in," he recalled. "It is sort of a Catholic school of hard knocks for young guys who are on a mission, and it's super awesome."

Among the fruits of the program are enduring friendships and at least two religious vocations, Meyers said.

"We go to each other's weddings. There's a brotherhood bond because we grew up together" on the rosary walk, Meyers said. "We stay in touch, we're tight. It's good because it's what you need: communities of guys who have serious bonds and help each other do good in the world."

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 21, 2025 / 15:45 pm (CNA).

Here are some of the major stories about the Church from around the world that you may have missed this week:

Swiss bishop issues call on podcast for ordination of women

Bishop Markus Büchel of the Swiss Diocese of St. Gallen spoke out in favor of women's ordination during a podcast appearance for a German-language online news outlet, kath.ch, CNA Deutsch, CNA's German-language news partner, reported Tuesday.

The bishop argued his position stating that the Church has a "consecration emergency" due to the fact that only celebate men may enter the priesthood.

German director of Münster academy defends award honoring Bishop Barron 

Following backlash over what some have called Bishop Robert Barron's "conservative" theological and political views, the director of the Münster Academy Franz-Hitze-Haus, Johannes Sabel, has defended plans to award the American bishop and Word on Fire founder with the academy's Josef Pieper Prize, CNA Deutsch reported.

Sabel stated in a guest article in a German-language outlet that Barron's theological and political views should not be a reason to cancel his award ceremony. He further called it "a good sign" that there was debate surrounding the award, saying it is the academy's mission to represent a plurality of positions.

Myanmar military targets St. Patrick Cathedral on eve of his feast

The ruling military junta in Myanmar torched a Catholic cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick in the northern Kachin state on the eve of his feast day last weekend, according to the Vatican news service Agenzia Fides.

The cathedral, its three-story office building, high school, and rectory were all destroyed in the fire, which soldiers of the SAC (State Administration Council) set during military operations around 4 p.m. on Sunday.

President of Zambia: 'The Catholic Church and the government will always be one' 

President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia celebrated his government's partnership with the Catholic Church during a speech on Wednesday, stating that "the Catholic Church and the government are development partners, we are not competitors," according to ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa.

He further emphasized the bond between the two institutions, adding: "The Catholic Church and the government will always be one and we will work together, and I want to assure you that you have our full support."

Franciscan monks in Syria condemn attacks on innocent civilians

The Fransiscan Monks of the Custodian of the Holy Land living in Syria issued a statement condemning the recent violence, which they said "increases the suffering of the Syrian people and threatens civil peace and the future of the country at this sensitive stage," ACI MENA, CNA's Arabic-language news partner, reported on Tuesday.

The statement comes after an onslaught of civilian revenge killings along the coastal region of Syria earlier this month, which took place after remnants of former president Bashar al-Assad regime supporters launched a series of attacks on the country's interim government that were met with immense retaliatory force targeting mostly Alawite civilians.

Knights of Malta leader reaffirms support for Lebanon's reconstruction during visit

During his recent visit to Lebanon, the grand chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta met with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Raï to reaffirm the order's support for Lebanon in its recovery phase, ACI MENA reported Sunday. The meeting highlighted the international community's recognition of Lebanon's sovereignty and neutrality, essential for the country's stability and rebuilding efforts.

200 Christians at Punjab prison suffer human rights abuses

Following the escape of a fellow inmate, the roughly 200 Christian inmates contained at Rawalpindi Central Jail in the Punjab Province are now being denied usual access to the facility's church, Asia News reported Thursday.

Human rights activist Xavier William — who visits the prison frequently — told the outlet: "[Christians] are already facing many difficulties, both inside the prison and with the judicial system. They are forced to clean the cells and suffer repeated abuse. Now they are even denied access to the church, to pray or engage in activities for their spiritual growth."

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