Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni visited the pope today. In an official statement, she said that the pope was “alert and responsive” and “has not lost his legendary sense of humor.”

A century ago, Al Smith was a force in American politics—and the first Catholic to mount a major run at the White House. And if he is to be believed, he didn't know what an encyclical was.

The pope needs to prepare for his inevitable decline and death.

The pope also extended his greetings to the thousands of artists who had come to celebrate their Jubilee in Rome this weekend.

The announcement came as Francis was in his bed in the Gemelli Hospital being treated for an infection of the respiratory tract. A Vatican spokesman said "the Holy Father passed a good night and slept well.”

Halting the work of U.S.A.I.D. “will kill millions of people and condemn hundreds of millions more to lives of dehumanizing poverty.”

The new government in Ireland (which looks remarkably like the last one) faces a housing crisis that has become an economic and demographic emergency.

Cancellations announced by the Vatican suggest the pope will be hospitalized for several days.

America reviewed a range of films over the last year, including many of the awards-show contenders.

We cannot wish away reality with counterfactual speculation--nor should we try.