Pope released from hospital

The Pope was discharged from a hospital in Rome on Saturday where he was being checked for breathing difficulties.

The Vatican said that the Pope was "feeling better" and was being released on Saturday morning.

He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital's paediatric oncology ward on Wednesday and spent several days there while doctors carried out medical check-ups.

In a statement on Friday evening, Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, said that the Pope was being released from the hospital after his medical team reviewed his test results on Friday.

The Vatican said that the Pope had visited other patients and baptised a baby during his time in hospital. He also received Holy Communion on Friday.

According to Vatican News, the Pope expressed thanks for the "self-sacrifice and spirit of service" of the hospital staff "who contribute to relieving the physical ailments and the mental anguish of those who, on a daily basis, are called upon to bear witness to the Cross of Christ".

His release comes in time for a Palm Sunday Mass. 

News
Archbishop of Canterbury withdraws award given to Muslim cleric who praised Bin Laden
Archbishop of Canterbury withdraws award given to Muslim cleric who praised Bin Laden

Reform leader Nigel Farage said the decision to award Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi was "astonishing". 

How the new General Synod could move beyond the present disagreement over same-sex relationships
How the new General Synod could move beyond the present disagreement over same-sex relationships

How might the next Synod make progress in the next five years based on a recognition that there are those in the Church of England who hold fundamentally opposed positions on the matter? Is there a way of allowing both sides to achieve what they want? Martin Davie argues that the answer to this question is ‘Yes.’

No part of London should become a free speech, gospel exclusion zone
No part of London should become a free speech, gospel exclusion zone

Soho is not exempt from freedom of speech and Christian expression. And Christians do not lose their fundamental freedoms when they cross an invisible boundary into a neighbourhood associated with a different worldview. The streets of London belong to all of us, writes Andrea Williams.

Church of England blessing same-sex relationships 'a bridge too far'
Church of England blessing same-sex relationships 'a bridge too far'

Earlier this year the Church silenced a group of former-homosexuals who wanted to tell of the change in their lives.