Francis inherited a deeply divided Church after the resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. Under his leadership, he appointed more women in senior Vatican roles.
The Pope made his last public appearance on Easter, when he delivered a message from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to thousands gathered in Vatican Square.
As the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia in both his lungs, the Vatican said in a statement that the Pope continues to be 'vigilant and well-oriented'.
Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, used computer skills to spread Catholic faith during his short life. He was beatified in 2020 after one miracle was attributed to him.
The Vatican's doctrinal office said transgender people could be godparents at baptism as well as wedding witnesses, but the local priest should exercise 'pastoral prudence' in his decision.
Vatican's acknowledgement came in response to allegations that East Timor bishop and Nobel Peace Prize winner Carlos Ximenes Belo sexually abused boys decades before.
In a book of interviews, Pope Francis said that the Church condemned vulgar or brute pleasure but has always accepted simple, human and moral pleasure.
The tiny city state of just 1,000 will be deep cleaned. The Vatican suspended outpatient services at its health clinic after a patient tested positive.
The recent resignations of its seniormost judges are among the most pointed institutional protests Pakistan has witnessed since the lawyers’ movement of the late 2000s.
Without a Congress revival, there can be no challenge to the BJP pan-nationally. Modi’s party is growing, and almost entirely at the cost of the Congress.
COMMENTS