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Pope Francis Visits Rome Prison Amid Recovery
Despite recovering from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia, Pope Francis upheld his Holy Week tradition by visiting Rome's Regina Caeli prison on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025. There he met with around 70 inmates, exemplifying his ongoing dedication to ministry among the marginalized. This visit was particularly significant during the 2025 Holy Year, which emphasizes outreach to prisoners. Though under medical orders to rest, the 88-year-old pontiff has resumed select activities, including unannounced visits to Roman basilicas and a surprise appearance at Palm Sunday Mass. Notably, he no longer requires supplemental oxygen, signaling improved health after his five-week hospital stay. Source 

Judge Blocks Worker Protections for Abortion and Fertility Care for Catholic Employers
A federal judge in North Dakota has permanently blocked the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from enforcing aspects of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and anti-harassment guidelines against over 9,000 Catholic employers. The Catholic Benefits Association and the Bismarck Diocese challenged the EEOC’s interpretation of the Act, which included abortion and fertility treatments among protected pregnancy-related accommodations, alleging a violation of their religious rights. Judge Daniel Traynor sided with the Catholic organizations, asserting the protections contravened their faith and upheld their religious freedom under the First Amendment. Source 

Pope Francis Thanks Doctors Who Saved His Life
Pope Francis, aged 88, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the medical team from Rome's Gemelli Hospital who treated him during a five-week hospitalization for a serious case of double pneumonia. Speaking in a soft, raspy voice but no longer needing oxygen, the pontiff thanked around 70 doctors and staff during a meeting at the Vatican. This marks one of his first public appearances as he continues to recover from what is considered the most critical health challenge of his papacy. Though his medical team recommended two months of rest following his discharge, Pope Francis has made several brief public appearances. As the Vatican approaches a busy religious calendar, including six major celebrations over four days culminating in Easter Sunday, it remains uncertain how involved the pope will be.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla Meet Pope Francis During Italy Visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla concluded a four-day state visit to Italy that included a surprise meeting with Pope Francis. The couple met the pontiff privately after previously postponing plans due to his health. Their tour also included cultural engagements, a speech in Parliament by King Charles in both English and Italian, and visits to historic and World War II commemoration sites in Ravenna. The royal couple's participation in diplomatic and religious events underscores ongoing interfaith and international dialogue. Source 

 Queen Camilla Wears Black to Meet the Pope
During her audience with Pope Francis, Queen Camilla followed Vatican protocol by wearing a black dress and veil, a tradition reserved for women meeting the pope unless they have papal privilege to wear white. The visit, which occurred on April 9, marked her first with Pope Francis since Charles became King. As a non-Catholic, she does not hold the “privilegio del bianco” granted to some Catholic queens and princesses. The meeting symbolized continued dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Church of England. Source 

Catholic to Represent King at Church of Scotland General Assembly
Lady Elish Angiolini, a devout Catholic and former lord advocate of Scotland, has been appointed by King Charles III as Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly. Her appointment represents a major interfaith milestone, considering the historical tensions between Scottish Protestantism and Catholicism. Church leaders praised the move as a gesture of unity and a continuation of improved Catholic-Protestant relations. Source