Despite his illness, Pope Francis’ “great desire is to at least complete the Jubilee, the holy year dedicated to hope that he feels is his great moment,” a cardinal told an Italian newspaper.

An international group of permanent deacons and their wives met in Rome to reflect together on how their service can contribute to building a more synodal church, one where the gifts and responsibilities of all its members are recognized.

Israel has identified three of the bodies of hostages returned Feb. 20 but said the body of Shiri Bibas — mother of two red-headed boys who became a symbol of Israeli hostage suffering, both confirmed dead — was not returned as promised by Hamas.

Hope in Christ and that God’s truth will prevail amid Russia’s war on Ukraine was the message that Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the patriarchal head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, shared time and again during his Feb. 15-21 Jubilee Year pastoral visit to the United States.

Pope Francis has appointed Father Gregg M. Caggianelli, a nearly 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, as auxiliary bishop of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services.