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At the Vatican switchboard, nuns soothe anxious callers about Pope Francis

At the Vatican switchboard, nuns soothe anxious callers about Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY (AP) — How’s Pope Francis doing? Can you give him my get-well wishes? Can I speak with him directly? The nuns who operate the Vatican’s switchboard are fielding a growing number of calls with questions like that as the pope remains hospi
Pope works on signature reform from hospital as he recovers from pneumonia

Pope works on signature reform from hospital as he recovers from pneumonia

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis entered the fifth week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia on Saturday very much looking ahead as he continued work on a signature priority of his papacy and signs of his recovery remained on a positive trajectory.
After Columbia arrests, international college students fall silent

After Columbia arrests, international college students fall silent

In the span of a week, a hush has descended on higher education in the United States. International students and faculty have watched the growing crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University with apprehension.
Here's what you need to know about St. Patrick's Day

Here's what you need to know about St. Patrick's Day

NEW YORK (AP) — If it's March, and it's green, it must be St. Patrick's Day. The day honoring the patron saint of Ireland is a global celebration of Irish heritage.
Protestant denominations try new ideas as they face declines in members and money

Protestant denominations try new ideas as they face declines in members and money

When the Episcopal Church recently announced cuts to its national staff, it was the latest in a long-running cycle among historic U.S. Protestant denominations — declines in members leading to declines in funding and thus in staff.
Middle East latest: Hamas says it will free a US-Israeli hostage to keep ceasefire talks rolling

Middle East latest: Hamas says it will free a US-Israeli hostage to keep ceasefire talks rolling

Hamas said on Friday it has accepted a proposal from mediators to release one living American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four dual nationals who died in captivity in Gaza.
Hamas says it will release a US-Israeli hostage and 4 bodies, but Israel expresses immediate doubt

Hamas says it will release a US-Israeli hostage and 4 bodies, but Israel expresses immediate doubt

JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinian militant group Hamas said Friday that it has accepted a proposal from mediators to release one living American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four dual nationals who had died in captivity.
Millions of people celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors

Millions of people celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors

NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of people in South Asia celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, on Friday by smearing each other with brightly colored powder, dancing to festive music and feasting on traditional sweets prepared for the occasion.
How many hostages are left in Gaza?

How many hostages are left in Gaza?

JERUSALEM (AP) — Hamas says it has accepted a new proposal from mediators to release one living American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four dual-nationals who had died in captivity.
UN report warns Iran is stepping up electronic surveillance of women to enforce headscarf laws

UN report warns Iran is stepping up electronic surveillance of women to enforce headscarf laws

GENEVA (AP) — Iran is increasingly relying on electronic surveillance and the public to inform on women refusing to wear the country's mandatory headscarf in public, as hard-liners push for harsher penalties for those protesting the law , a United Na