Pope Francis Anniversary, Nigeria 'Religious Cleansing,' Lenten Cooking

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Gina Christian of OSV News catches you up on the Catholic news of the day for March 13, 2025. In this episode: Pope Francis marks the 12th anniversary of his papal election, celebrating with a cake and hundreds of cards while on the mend in Rome's Gemelli hospital for severe respiratory illness. Papal biographer Austin Ivereigh reflects on the pope's legacy, marked by pastoral sensitivity to complex issues, humility and the accompaniment of those on the margins. Republican lawmaker Chris Smith is calling for Nigeria to be designated by the U.S. as a "country of particular concern," due to atrocities against Christians there that he described as "religious cleansing." Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, has announced a March 24 rally and vigil in that city to protest the Trump administration's threats of mass deportations of unauthorized migrants. Chef Jim Churches tells OSV News that Lenten cooking doesn't need to be "boring or fish all the time," but with a little planning and recipe "test-driving," can nourish a family in body and soul. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.

Read the stories in this podcast:

Pope Francis anniversary

Pope Francis legacy

Nigeria "religious cleansing"

Bishop Mark Seitz mass deportation protest

Lenten cooking: More than fish