Pope

Voices from the Arab press: Pope Leo and the Shi'ites

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai receives a chalice from Pope Leo XIV (R) at a Holy Mass during the pope’s first apostolic journey, in Beirut, on December 2.
Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd during a meeting with bishpops, priests consacrated persons and personal workers at the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, northeast of the capital Beirut, on December 1, 2025.

'A just and lasting peace': Pope Leo calls for dialogue after meeting Ukraine's Zelensky

 Pope Leo XIV holds a Jubilee audience on the occasion of the Jubilee of Sport, at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican June 14, 2025.

Pope Leo scraps Francis’s Vatican fundraising panel amid budget shift

Pope Leo XIV disembarks the papal plane upon arrival at Rafic Hariri International Airport, during his first apostolic journey, in Beirut, Lebanon, November 30, 2025.

Pope Leo XIV lands in Beirut during first Middle East visit


Pope Francis was so close to death that doctors considered ending treatment

The pope's official nurse pleaded with doctors to ensure that they did not stop his treatment despite significant risks.

 Pope Francis gestures during his first public appearance in five weeks, on the day of his discharge from Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2025.

Pope Francis, showing plans to continue on, starts new process for Catholic reforms

Pope Francis approved a new three-year Vatican reform plan, pushing forward with change despite his ongoing health battle.

 Pope Francis looks on from a balcony, on the day he delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican March 31, 2024.

Pope Francis health shows gradual improvement

Recent updates from Vatican officials indicated a gradual improvement in the Pope's health.

 The Gemelli Hospital.

Do 'The Prophecies of the Popes' point to 2027 doom?

Attributed to Saint Malachy, the book predicts Francis will be the last pope.

 Pope Francis arrives to attend his weekly general audience in the St. Damaso courtyard. September, 2020.

Pope Francis no longer needs ventilation, is stable, Vatican says

Vatican says Pope Francis's health is improving but he remains under close watching Rome's Gemelli hospital.

 Balloons with an image of Pope Francis float outside Gemelli Hospital, as he is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, March 2, 2025.

Pope Francis remains stable, has not had new breathing crisis, Vatican says

The pope has not had any new breathing crises, the Vatican announced in a handout.

 Pope Francis. Vatican announces new guidelines allowing gay men to become priests in Italy under vow of celibacy.

Pope Francis had 'isolated' breathing crisis in hospital, Vatican says

Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for two weeks, after being admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.

 Pope Francis debuts on TikTok to promote his autobiography 'Spera'.

Pope Francis clashed with cardinals over Vatican finances before hospitalization

Just before his hospitalization, the pope formed a new Vatican financial group.

 Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, February 12, 2025.

Pope Francis remains critical and has 'slight' kidney issue, Vatican says

The Vatican said the 88-year-old Francis, who has double pneumonia, had suffered a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis."

Pope Francis holds an audience with donors of the St. Peter's Square Christmas tree and Nativity scene, at the Vatican

Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says

Pope Francis hospitalized with double pneumonia, Vatican says treatment is challenging.

 Pope Francis debuts on TikTok to promote his autobiography 'Spera'.