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The week in review highlights several key events and updates within the Catholic community and beyond. A Kansas military chaplain, Father Emil Kapaun, has been declared "Venerable" by Pope Francis, marking a significant step towards potential sainthood.
In California, wildfires and concerns over Pope Francis's health were prominent topics at the LA Religious Education Congress. Meanwhile, Archbishop Smith of Edmonton has been named to succeed the archbishop of Vancouver in British Columbia.
Florida sees young Hispanic adults inspiring others with an Easter book aimed at deepening faith. In Illinois, survivors of suicide have shared their testimonies during discussions on assisted suicide bills. The Knights of Columbus celebrated 125 years of patriotic service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York.
Vice President JD Vance expressed surprise at Pope Francis’s criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policy but extended prayers for the pope's recovery during the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.
The Supreme Court has declined to hear challenges related to abortion clinic 'bubble zones,' while also considering requests for DNA testing from a Texas death-row inmate. Richard Glossip's death penalty conviction was overturned due to questionable testimony.
A Pew Research survey suggests that while Christianity's decline in the U.S. may have stabilized, signs of long-term decrease remain evident. Nonetheless, Pew notes that Pope Francis remains "broadly popular" among U.S. Catholics throughout his papacy.
Father John Mullins and Father Eduardo Lopez were quick to respond when a Delta Air Lines jet crashed at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, providing much-needed assistance to victims through their roles as airport chaplains.
Venezuelans celebrated after Pope Francis approved Blessed José Gregorio Hernández's canonization. Meanwhile, church sources warn of an ongoing silent genocide in Congo.
Amidst these developments, there are cultural and religious observations taking place worldwide — from record crowds returning to Notre Dame in France three months after reopening to tens of thousands attending a funeral procession in Israel for the Bibas family.
Pope Francis continues to be a focal point as his condition worsened after inhaling vomit during his hospitalization for pneumonia; he is currently on stronger ventilation support. The faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square despite rain to pray for his recovery with rosaries.
The pope emphasizes that death is not an end for those who embrace Christ’s love and writes about hope using Simeon’s story as a reflection point during one of his audiences prepared weeks earlier.
