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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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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 21, 2025 / 16:30 pm (CNA).

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden signed three bills into law on Friday that he indicated reflect the values of the state, including one law that will prevent males from entering girls' restrooms or locker rooms in any public school or public building.

Another law restricts access to obscene materials for minors in public libraries and public school libraries. The third clarifies the rights and obligations of the father of a child born to a mother to whom he is not married.

"South Dakota is a place where commonsense values remain common, and these bills reinforce that fact," Rhoden, a Republican, said in a statement. "These bills promote strong families, safety in education, and freedom from the 'woke' agenda like what has happened in too many other places."

The new law related to the sex-based separation of facilities requires that public schools and public buildings separate restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters on the basis of sex as defined by a person's biological characteristics rather than self-asserted "gender identity."

Under this law, men who self-identify as "women" will not be able to access protected spaces reserved for girls and women.

Any person who encounters someone of the opposite sex in a restroom or locker room can file a lawsuit against the public entity if the entity permitted the person to enter or failed to take any reasonable steps to prohibit the person from entering.

Lawsuits must be filed within two years of the violation.

Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Sara Beth Nolan said in a statement that "women and girls should not be forced to sacrifice their privacy and safety to activists pushing gender ideology." 

"Allowing men to invade girls' spaces — including locker rooms, sleeping areas, or restrooms — rips away girls' spaces," Nolan added. "[This law] ensures that girls' spaces in public schools and public buildings are not open to men and prioritizes privacy and safety for every South Dakota girl."

The South Dakota action mirrors federal efforts from President Donald Trump's administration to combat gender ideology and prevent men from accessing women's and girls' spaces. 

Trump signed an executive order to clarify that within federal regulations, there are two sexes that are determined by biological characteristics. Another order separated male and female sports, restrooms, and other facilities on the basis of biological sex in educational institutions that receive federal funding.

Many of Trump's executive orders have been challenged in court and are being held up by judges.

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 21, 2025 / 13:30 pm (CNA).

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has signed into law a bill that bans biological males from entering women's spaces in the state's prisons and jails.

The legislation, dubbed the Dignity and Safety for Incarcerated Women's Act, prohibits men who self-identify as transgender women from accessing women's changing rooms, restrooms, showers, sleeping quarters, and other facilities.

Under the law, all jails and prisons operated by the state's Department of Corrections that house inmates of both sexes must provide separate facilities for men and for women. The law defines men and women on the basis of biological characteristics, as opposed to self-asserted "gender identity."

The new law goes into effect on July 1.

Sara Beth Nolan, who works as legal counsel for the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom, said in a statement that "states have a duty to protect the privacy, safety, and dignity of women."

"Letting men intrude into women's spaces is an invasion of privacy, a threat to their safety, and a denial of the real biological differences between the two sexes," she said. "[This law] safeguards against these harms to women in Mississippi correctional facilities."

The law also establishes a framework that allows a person to sue a state correctional facility if the person encounters someone of the opposite sex within one of the protected spaces.

A person can obtain civil damages if the jail or prison gave someone of the opposite sex permission to enter the space or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the person from entering the space. All civil actions must be brought within two years of the violation.

Mississippi's actions mirror efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to prevent men from accessing women's spaces and to reflect the biological distinctions of men and women in federal regulations.

Trump signed an executive order to clarify that within federal regulations, there are two sexes that are determined by biological characteristics. His orders also blocked men from women's prisons and in women's sports and women's spaces at all educational institutions that receive federal funding.

Many of Trump's executive orders have been challenged in court and are being held up by judges.

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 21, 2025 / 14:00 pm (CNA).

Idaho Gov. Brad Little this week signed legislation that bolsters religious freedom protections for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals when they object to performing certain procedures or providing certain services.

The new law, signed on Wednesday, amends the Medical Ethics Defense Act to clearly establish that Idaho recognizes "that the right of conscience is a fundamental and inalienable right" whether one's conscience "is informed by religious, moral, or ethical beliefs or principles."

Under the law, no health care professional, health care institution, or health care payer can be forced to participate in or pay for any medical procedure, treatment, or service to which he or she objects as a matter of conscience.

The law also prevents employers from retaliating or punishing an employee based on his or her conscience objections to any medical service. It states that a person should communicate his or her conscience objection to the employer as soon as reasonably possible to ensure necessary staffing adjustments can take place.

Under the law, a health care provider cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for refusing to provide a medical service because of the institution's conscience objection.

Some objections from Catholic institutions or health care professionals could include procedures and services related to abortion, contraception, and transgender drugs and surgeries.

Greg Chafuen, who serves as legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, said in a statement that "patients are best served by health care professionals who are free to act consistent with their oath to 'do no harm.'"

"Unfortunately, doctors and nurses have been targeted for caring for their patients by refraining from harmful and dangerous procedures," he said. "What may be worse, countless young professionals are kept out of the health care field because of fear that they will be forced to violate their conscience." 

Chaufen added that the Idaho law "ensures that health care professionals are not forced to participate in procedures that violate their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs."

Idaho's law also establishes stronger free speech protections by prohibiting departments and regulatory boards from punishing health care providers for engaging in speech, expression, or association that is protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution from government interference.

The law also creates a framework for health care institutions and health care professionals to file lawsuits to remedy any violations of the new regulations.

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