Feb 20 Pope Francis is out of bed, eating and working at hospital while recovering from pneumonia By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press “If you really want him to rest, you have to hospitalize him,” quipped Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, France, referring to Francis' work ethic. Continue reading
Feb 18 Vatican cancels papal audiences and Holy Year events as Pope Francis remains hospitalized By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press The Vatican has canceled papal audiences through the weekend and delegated others to cover for Pope Francis as the 88-year-old pope remains hospitalized with a multi-pronged respiratory infection. Continue reading
Feb 14 Pope Francis hospitalized to treat bronchitis and undergo tests, weekend events canceled By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Pope Francis has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic to continue his ongoing treatment for bronchitis and to undergo tests. Continue reading
Feb 10 Vatican charity blasts Trump administration's plan to 'recklessly' gut USAID By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Caritas on Monday warned that millions of people could die as a result of the “ruthless” U.S. decision to “recklessly” stop USAID funding. Continue reading
Jan 16 Pope Francis injures right arm after falling for second time in less than six weeks By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press The pope didn’t break his arm, but a sling was put on as a precaution, the Vatican said in a statement. Continue reading
Jan 08 Pope Francis names first woman to head major Vatican office By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Pope Francis has named the first woman to head a major Vatican office. He is appointing Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian nun, to become prefect of the Vatican department responsible for all the church's religious orders. Continue reading
Dec 25 PHOTOS: Pope Francis marks Christmas by urging all nations to silence arms and overcome divisions By Silvia Stellacci, Associated Press "I invite every individual, and all people of all nations ... to become pilgrims of hope, to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions," the pope said from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica to throngs of people below. Continue reading
Dec 24 Pope Francis kicks off yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's tourism By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. Continue reading
Dec 22 At least 22 people killed by Israeli airstrikes as Vatican envoy visits Gaza for pre-Christmas Mass By Wafaa Shurafa, Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 22 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said, while Gaza's small Christian community celebrated a pre-Christmas Mass. Continue reading
Oct 06 Pope names 21 new cardinals, expanding pool of electors who will one day pick his successor By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Pope Francis named 21 new cardinals Sunday, significantly increasing the size of the College of Cardinals and further cementing his mark on the group of prelates who will one day elect his successor. Continue reading