18th century priest who is a distant uncle of Prince William and Harry is step closer to sainthood

A priest related to Princes William and Harry has been moved a step closer to sainthood by the Pope. A decree issued by Pope Francis said Father Ignatius Spencer lived a life of ‘heroic virtue’. Englishman Father Spencer, who was born George Spencer in 1799, now needs two miracles attributed to him if he is … Read more

Pope Francis forced to miss Mass due to sciatica

Ailing Pope’s health forces him to miss Mass and suspend other events as the 84-year-old suffers ‘persistent pain’ blamed on sciatica The Vatican last week announced Pope Francis would miss three engagements  He has sciatica, a nerve inflammation that affects the lower back and legs  The same condition saw Francis skip two appearances for New … Read more

Pope Francis to receive Covid vaccination days after his doctor died

Pope Francis will receive Covid-19 jab this week and declares ‘without a vaccine you are playing with life’ Vatican City is preparing to vaccinate its 450 residents this week with Pfizer jab Pope Francis said it is an ‘ethical duty’ for everyone to get inoculated He has been in favour of vaccines despite misgivings among … Read more

Pope’s personal doctor dies from coronavirus ‘complications’, aged 78, as pontiff awaits vaccination

Pope’s personal doctor dies from coronavirus ‘complications’, aged 78, after pontiff revealed he will get vaccine as early as next week Fabrizio Soccorsi was hospitalised on Boxing Day with an oncological disease Pope Francis’ personal doctor died on Saturday with Covid complications  It is not known when he was last in close contact with the … Read more

Pope Francis to receive Covid vaccine next week and says opposition to jab is ‘suicidal denial’ 

Pope Francis reveals he will get Covid vaccine as early as next week and says opposition to jab is ‘suicidal denial’ Pope Francis, 84, will receive Covid vaccine as early as next week, he confirmed Pontiff had part of one lung removed as a younger man in his native Argentina Described people not getting the vaccination … Read more

Pope says he is ‘saddened’ by Covid rule breakers who are ignoring travel restrictions

Pope says he is ‘saddened’ by Covid rule breakers who are ignoring travel restrictions during pandemic as he condemns people looking after their own interests above others Francis said he read reports of people catching flights to flee government curbs  ‘This really saddened me,’ he added in address from Vatican’s Apostolic Palace Many countries have … Read more

Pope Francis appears for the first time since sciatica forced him to skip New Year Mass

Pope Francis appears for the first time since sciatica forced him to skip New Year Mass and wishes the world ‘peace and serenity’ Pope Francis led the traditional Angelus prayers in the Apostolic Palace ‘I send you all my best wishes for peace and serenity in the new year,’ he said   Comes after the Pope skipped … Read more

Pope Francis, 84, suffering painful sciatica which has forced him to bow out New Year’s Day Mass

Pope Francis, 84, is suffering with painful sciatica which has forced him to bow out of holding the Vatican prayer service tonight and New Year’s Day Mass Spokesman Matteo Bruni said Pope won’t preside at service in St Peter’s Basilica  He has suffered from the problem in the past but will deliver New Year’s blessing  Sciatica can … Read more

Christians celebrate Christmas around the world as stream of drummers march through Bethlehem

Christians across the world celebrated Christmas today under unusual circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic. Streams of drummers marched through Bethlehem yesterday and Notre Dame hosted a choral concert for the first time since it was destroyed by fire.   Pope Francis hosted Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City slightly earlier … Read more

Pope Francis urges countries to strive for peace as he leads just 200 masked faithful

Pope Francis urges countries to strive for peace as he leads just 200 masked faithful at an early evening Covid-restricted ‘midnight’ mass in St Peter’s Basilica Pope celebrated the mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, on Christmas Eve  Mostly employees of the state attended papal ceremony whilst wearing masks Mass was held at 7.30pm instead … Read more