Between teething twins and Pope Francis in the hospital, sleep has become a precious commodity for me. But in tending the former at all hours of the night, I’ve got an extra opportunity to pray for the latter — I share this as a reminder to continue prayers for the pope, even a little one at odd hours.
Below you’ll find an overview of stories from this week.
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Megan Marley
Digital Editor
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U.S. Army chaplain, Korean War POW and future saint? Father Emil Kapaun now ‘Venerable’
A Kansas military chaplain who served during two wars is a step further along the path to possible sainthood, thanks to a declaration made by Pope Francis.
CALIFORNIA: Wildfires, pope’s health set tone at opening of LA Religious Ed Congress
BRITISH COLUMBIA: Archbishop Smith of Edmonton, Alberta, named to succeed archbishop of Vancouver
FLORIDA: With Easter book, Hispanic young adults inspire others to deepen their faith
ILLINOIS: Suicide survivors testify to life’s goodness amid suffering in hearing on assisted suicide bills
NEW YORK: Knights of Columbus mark 125 years of patriotic degree at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
WASHINGTON, D.C.: What’s involved in resettling refugees? Catholic leaders share the church’s work
Vance ‘surprised’ by pope’s criticism, prays for his recovery at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
Vice President JD Vance said Feb. 28 he was “surprised” by Pope Francis’ criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policy, but said he is praying for the pontiff’s recovery amid his hospitalization.
ABORTION: Supreme Court declines to hear abortion clinic ‘bubble zone’ challenges
BUDGET: Catholic analysts express concern for safety net programs in budget process
DEATH ROW: Supreme Court considers Texas death-row inmate’s request for DNA testing
FIRST MONTH LOOKBACK: Trump’s first month ends in friction with bishops over immigration, IVF, Vance attacks
RICHARD GLOSSIP: Supreme Court throws out death penalty conviction over dubious testimony
MIGRANTS: Judge blocks policy permitting ICE arrests at some places of worship
USAID: Supreme Court allows pause to payments on already completed foreign aid work, for now
Celebrating the four women doctors of the church
The doctors of the church are the saints that many of us need to understand the faith better, and more than that, to grow in our relationship with the Lord. Nestled among these 37 great saints are four women doctors of the church, the only women in church history to rise to this distinction.
Pew: Christianity downturn in U.S. leveling, but long term decline still ‘in evidence’
A multiyear decline in Christianity in the U.S. may have leveled off, but trends indicating a long term decline are still in evidence, according to a new Pew Research survey.
PONTIFICATE: Pew: Pope Francis ‘broadly popular’ among US Catholics throughout his papacy
Providence allowed airport chaplains to be available to help Delta crash victims, priest says
When a Delta Air Lines jet crashed at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, Father John Mullins wasn’t at his usual post but was alerted by breaking news. Seeing the unfolding disaster, he immediately contacted Father Eduardo Lopez, who had been called by the airport to assist the crash victims.
Vatican decree on 19th-century doctor’s canonization leaves Venezuelans rejoicing
Venezuelans celebrated with Masses and processions Feb. 26 after Pope Francis approved the canonization of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, a revered 19th-century doctor known for his medical innovations and devotion to the poor.
CONGO: A silent genocide is unfolding in Congo, church sources warn
FRANCE: Three months into reopening, Notre Dame witnesses record crowds, confessions
ISRAEL: Tens of thousands of Israelis line streets for funeral procession for Bibas family
MEXICO: Mexico’s bishops urge unity as church struggles to assist those deported under Trump policies
UKRAINE: Amid darkness of Ukraine war, religious sisters bring light, hope and purpose to villages
Why can’t non-Catholics receive Communion?
QUESTION CORNER: As practicing Catholics know, the church has many laws and customs designed to reverence and safeguard the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and in the reserved Blessed Sacrament. Jenna Marie Cooper, who holds a licentiate in canon law, answers faith questions in her weekly column — send your questions to CatholicQA@osv.com.
Los fieles se unen en la Plaza de San Pedro para rezar por la salud del Papa
Una ligera llovizna finalmente cedió mientras cientos de fieles se dirigían a la Plaza de San Pedro para rezar el rosario por el Papa Francisco en el undécimo día de su hospitalización por una doble neumonía.
Aunque la salud del Papa está mejorando, no dirigirá los servicios del Miércoles de Ceniza
Esta Cuaresma, déjate interpelar por la realidad de un migrante, dice el Papa
HHS publica nuevas ‘definiciones basadas en el sexo’ tras órdenes ejecutivas de Trump
Primer mes de Trump acaba en roces con obispos por inmigración, la FIV y los ataques de Vance
For those who embrace Christ’s love, death is not the end, pope writes
The text of the pope’s Wednesday audience catechesis Feb. 26 looked at Jesus’ presentation at the temple and how Simeon was also a “pilgrim of hope” who recognized God’s presence and welcomed it with joy. Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, told reporters that the pope prepared the catechesis “weeks in advance,” preempting speculation that the pope’s reflection on the Canticle of Simeon, which is used as a prayer at the time of death, was somehow connected to the pope’s current condition or hospitalization.
ABUSE: Vatican: Names of alleged abusers cannot be published without proof
DIACONATE: Deacons are called to selflessness, men ordained at Jubilee Mass are told
DONATIONS: Pope establishes commission to boost donations to the Holy See
JUBILEE: Fatima statue to visit Rome for Jubilee of Marian Spirituality
LENT: This Lent, compare your life to a migrant’s, pope says
PEACE: Visiting the poor in Lebanon was a prayer for Pope Francis, cardinal says
POPE HOSPITALIZATION: Pope’s condition worsened after inhaling vomit, on stronger ventilation
VATICAN STATE: Pope gives Sister Petrini two assistants for running Vatican City
Biblical Tales Old and New
MEDIA NOTEBOOK: Vintage and new biblical epics sprout like daffodils during Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5.
MOVIE REVIEW: “Last Breath” (Focus)
SISTER HOSEA: A Catholic look at this year’s Oscar Best Picture nominees
The post Week in Review | Feb. 28, 2025 first appeared on OSV News.
