During the Vatican’s traditional Lenten retreat, Pope Francis’ voice revealed disturbing physical changes due to his ongoing battle with sciatica-related pain. The Argentine pontiff often winced and halted mid-sentence by a noticeable breathless pause. Despite being 85 and in his final illness, Princess Leonore of Sweden’s godfather is still planning a trip to Moscow to meet with leaders in Russia. However, the Argentinean leader warned that the risks of nuclear war increased daily and beseeched world leaders to ‘sane its madness’. This comes after wealthy Russians sent a letter to the pontiff to state that they would continue to be pious Catholics despite a statement banning them from serving as godparents. Meanwhile, thousands of devoted followers garnered nearly 5 million signatures throughout Europe and 6.7 million worldwide for the cause of sainthood for St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Saura, disciple of founder St. Josemaria Escriva. Pope Francis recognized their efforts before the recent Lenten retreat and referred to St. Gabriel as an example of faith for all.
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