In his conversation with Slovakian Jesuits while visiting the country, Pope Francis took a swipe at his media critics, saying he sometimes loses patience with people who insult without know-ing the facts. He also criticized members of the Church who he said are too nostalgic for the past, such as priests who are more attached to the Old Latin Rite of the Mass than they are to their parish communities, which he said is a sign that the Church is going backwards.
Asked how he was doing at the opening of the Sept. 12 encounter, which took place as part of a broader apostolic visit to Hungary and Slovakia, Francis said he was, “Still alive, even though some people wanted me to die.”
His visit to Hungary and Slovakia was the first international trip he has made since he had colon surgery July 4, in which a large portion of his lower intestine was removed due to a stenotic diverticulitis, or a hardening of the tissue in his colon.

U.S. Bishops to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, June 10-12. In celebration of the


