Pope Francis Health Setback, Bishops' Refugee Contract Canceled, New Venezuelan Saint

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Gina Christian of OSV News catches you up on the Catholic news of the day for Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. In this episode: Pope Francis experiences a setback in Rome's Gemelli hospital, suffering a dangerous "bronchospasm" today. He remained "alert and oriented" amid treatment, said the Vatican, adding that his prognosis is still guarded. At the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, Vice President JD Vance he was surprised by Pope Francis' criticism of Trump administration immigration policy, but said he is praying for the pope's recovery. The State Department terminated its refugee resettlement contract with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who filed suit against the Trump administration when the arrangement was first suspended. Trump foreign aid cuts could erode efforts to reduce Christian persecution, said Kelly Ryan, president of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, who noted that such persecution is a key driver of forced displacement. Venezuelan Catholics are celebrating news that the canonization cause of 19th-century doctor Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, an advocate for the poor, has been approved by Pope Francis. Tune in and listen at osvnews.com.

Read the stories in this podcast:

Pope Francis health downturn

National Catholic Prayer Breakfast

Trump administration ends U.S. bishops' refugee resettlement contract

Trump cuts could erode anti-Christian persecution efforts

Venezuelan Catholics celebrate new saint-to-be