As a Jesuit, I felt sure 12 years ago that there was no real chance the cardinals would elect a Jesuit pope. As an American, I felt sure six days ago that there was no real chance they would elect someone from the United States. Today, I am overjoyed at having a terrible track record … Read more
President Trump flew briefly this weekend into a European continent he has thrown into chaos in recent months, paying respects to Pope Francis at his funeral, but also meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine at a critical moment that may decide both the country’s boundaries and its fate. Mr. Trump was on the ground … Read more
Before thousands lined up for a momentary glimpse of Pope Francis’ body and a chance to pay their respects, one elderly nun stood facing the pontiff’s coffin, bidding a tearful farewell to her longtime friend. A video captured the last tender moments Sister Geneviève Jeanningros shared with the man with whom she was known to … Read more
Pope Francis made his first, brief, appearance in more than six weeks on Sunday, appearing on the balcony of a Rome hospital to greet hundreds of people gathered in the square in front. Looking frail, Francis gave a thumbs up. “Thank you everyone,” he said in a wisp of a voice. The pope later left … Read more
Pope Francis will remain in a Rome hospital after being admitted late last week following a series of tests that indicated a “complex clinical picture,” the Vatican said on Monday, raising fresh concerns about the 88-year-old pontiff’s health. Diagnostic tests carried out after Francis was taken to Policlinico A. Gemelli on Friday presented “a polymicrobial … Read more
“I like punctuality, it’s a virtue I have learned to appreciate,” Pope Francis writes in the fifth chapter of his autobiography, to be published on Tuesday in 18 languages, adding that he considers it “a sign of good manners and respect, to arrive promptly.” Unfortunately, as a newborn, Francis writes, he arrived a week late, … Read more