Reflections on life, meaning and purpose

Man with disfigured face whose embrace with Pope Francis touched the world dies

Pope Francis embraces Vinicio Riva after the general audience on Nov. 6, 2013. / Credit: Vatican Media ACI Prensa Staff, Jan 12, 2024 / 14:00 pm (CNA). Vinicio Riva, an Italian man who suffered from a rare condition and whose moving encounter with Pope Francis after a general audience at the Vatican in 2013 was […]

Hostages taken in Hamas terror attack approach 100th day in captivity

People attend a rally for the release of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza near the U.N. headquarters on Jan. 12, 2024, in New York City. / Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images CNA Staff, Jan 12, 2024 / 14:40 pm (CNA). As the Israel-Hamas war nears its 100-day mark, well over 100 […]

Man With Disfigured Face Whose Embrace With Pope Francis Touched the World Dies

National Catholic Register Pope Francis embraces Vinicio Riva after the general audience on Nov. 6, 2013. A picture of the tender encounter between Vinicio Riva — who suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic disorder that can result in skin lesions — and the Pope in 2013 represented one of the most emotional and impactful […]