Illness

The Latest

Pope Francis delivers the Sunday Angelus from the window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square, Jan. 28, 2024.

Pope Francis cancels Monday audiences due to persisting ‘mild flu’ symptoms

Feb 26, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

The Monday morning telegram sent out by the Vatican noted that while the pope’s “mild flu symptoms persist,” he did... Read more

Pope Francis embraces Vinicio Riva after the general audience on Nov. 6, 2013.

Man with disfigured face whose embrace with Pope Francis touched the world dies

Jan 12, 2024

By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú

The pontiff embraced Vinicio Riva while greeting pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square after a general audience in 2013, the year... Read more

Pope Francis prays in front of a crucifix during his general audience on Oct. 26, 2022.

Pope Francis sends heartfelt message to 17-year-old girl suffering from serious illness

Jun 23, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

“Edna, I received your letter; thank you! Thank you for your tenderness and thank you for the peace in your... Read more

Pope Francis greeted the crowd gathered outside of the hospital after he was discharged on the morning of April 1, 2023.

Pope Francis returns to the Vatican after 3 days in the hospital

Apr 1, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning after a three-night stay in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Read more

Pope Francis visits sick children at the Bambino Gesù di Palidoro hospital in Rome, Italy, on Jan. 5, 2018.

Pope Francis: Lack of basic health care access is a ‘social virus’

Feb 10, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

He said the antidote was a ‘culture of fraternity.’ Read more

Pope Francis gives his Angelus address on Oct. 3, 2021.

Pope Francis: Greatness is not found in self-sufficiency but in trust in the Lord

Oct 3, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said that recognizing one’s own frailty allows for the possibility to discover that true strength comes from placing... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his Angelus address Feb. 21, 2021. Credit: Vatican Media/CNA.

Pope Francis: The Lord does not permit darkness to have the last word

Feb 28, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said Sunday that it is important to remember when facing a difficult trial that the “Lord is Risen... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square Aug. 28, 2019.

Solidarity, subsidiarity needed to provide medical care to all, pope says

Jan 3, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

The principles of solidarity and subsidiarity should be used together to ensure everyone, including the person experiencing poverty, has access... Read more

Bishop Silvio Siripong Charatsri annointing the sick celebrating the Year of Mercy for the sick and disabled in Chantaburi diocese, Thailand June 12, 2016.

For Thailand Catholics, God's mercy exceeds limits of illness

Jun 29, 2016

Hundreds of sick and physically challenged people marked the Catholic Church’s Year of Mercy in Thailand with a special procession... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his March 25, 2015 general audience.

Pope Francis cancels appointments due to a slight fever

Feb 25, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Thursday Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi SJ announced that after Pope Francis celebrated his usual morning Mass, he canceled... Read more

Pope Francis embraces a man in a wheelchair at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on June 10, 2015.

When you care for a sick family member, you are a 'hidden hero,' Pope says

Jun 10, 2015

By Ann Schneible

During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis lauded families for the “hidden heroism” of caring for a sick loved one.  Read more

Pope Francis meets with a group of 20 children with disabilities May 29, 2015 in the Santa Marta house.

Pope to sick children: Don’t be afraid to ask God 'Why?'

May 30, 2015

By Ann Schneible

“Why do children suffer?” Pope Francis asked this of a group of children with serious illnesses or disabilities and their... Read more

Cardinal Francis George, the Emeritus Archbishop of Chicago, was admitted to hospital over the weekend for routine care.

Cardinal George returns to hospital for routine care

Mar 30, 2015

Cardinal Francis George, the Emeritus Archbishop of Chicago, was readmitted to the hospital over the weekend for planned pain management... Read more

Cardinal Francis George, Emeritus Archbishop of Chicago, delivers his acceptance speech after receiving the Gaudium et Spes Award, Jan. 30, 2015.

For Cardinal George, God's grace is bigger than cancer

Feb 3, 2015

By Michelle La Rosa

Despite the uncertainty that comes with cancer, Cardinal Francis George, the retired Archbishop of Chicago, says his days are filled... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on May 28, 2014.

Pope cancels hospital visit due to 'sudden indisposition'

Jun 27, 2014

By Elise Harris

As spectators were awaiting the visit of Pope Francis to an Roman hospital, it was announced by Bishop Claudio Giuliodori... Read more

Pope Francis in Rome on Jan. 19, 2014.

Pope Francis continues rest due to 'a minor indisposition'

Jun 10, 2014

By Elise Harris

Following the cancellation of his public commitments yesterday morning due to tiredness, Pope Francis has decided to continue his rest... Read more

Pope Francis in Rome on Jan. 19, 2014

Pope Francis postpones meetings due to tiredness

Jun 9, 2014

By Elise Harris

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi S.J. has announced that Pope Francis canceled his meetings today in order to rest following... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square Oct. 2.

Pope says caring for sick brings 'the smile of God'

Dec 7, 2013

Pope Francis released his message for the World Day of the Sick Dec. 7, emphasizing the important role of hope... Read more