Pope’s agenda cancelled for “medical checkups that are needed” (CNA) Pope Francis’ agenda was cleared on Friday for needed medical checkups, a Vatican spokesperson said. Francis, who is 85 years old, has been suffering from pain in his right knee, causing him to take smaller roles in some Vatican liturgies and to remain seated more often. “The pope has slowed down his activities today because of medical checkups that are needed today. That is why the schedule is empty today,” Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said on April 22…

Mexican cardinal Barragán dies (CNS) Mexican Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, a longtime president of the former Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, died in Rome April 20 at the age of 89. In a telegram sent to Bishop Javier Navarro Rodríguez of Zamora, Pope Francis expressed his condolences and fondly recalled his more than 40-year-long friendship with the cardinal, “who faithfully gave his life to the service of God and the universal church for many years…”

Arson of rectory in Canada investigated as hate crime (The Globe and Mail) The early-morning arson of a Victoria priest’s home – while he and his family slept – has upset Ukrainian Catholics living on Canada’s West Coast and raised fears that they will be targeted for their ongoing efforts in the international fight against Russia’s invasion. Victoria police are investigating the fire, lit Wednesday morning at the rectory next to the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, as a potential hate crime. The family and other community members reported the fire around 1 a.m., shortly after someone poured gasoline through the mail slot…

Catholic priest expelled from Russia (CNS) A Catholic priest was expelled from Russia without explanation amid fears for the well-being of other clergy ministering in the country. Father Fernando Vera, a Mexican member of Opus Dei, left Russia in mid-April after being told his residence permit was revoked. Father Kirill Gorbunov, spokesman for the Russian bishops’ conference, told Catholic News Service on April 21 no reason had been given for the priest’s expulsion, adding that the Catholic Church had “no reason” to believe it was connected with the conflict in Ukraine…

Vicki Thorn, founder of Project Rachel, dies (CNA) Vicki Thorn, a Catholic pro-life pioneer, international speaker, author, and a member of the Pontifical Academy of Life, Thorn died Wednesday, April 20. She was 72…