“The conference suddenly finds itself unable to sustain its work to care for the thousands of refugees who were welcomed into our country and assigned to the care of the USCCB by the government after being granted legal status.”

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.

Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs according to the medical report from his doctors this evening, Feb. 18.

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

His clinical condition is “complex,” the Vatican said.

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

To facilitate his recovery, doctors have prescribed that he observe “total rest,” the Vatican press office announced.

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.”

A Reflection for Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, by Zac Davis