Pope goes home
The week's news at a glance.
Rome
Pope John Paul II left the hospital this week strong enough to speak clearly to well-wishers. The pope was rushed to the hospital twice in the past six weeks for severe flu, and underwent surgery to relieve a constricted throat. Despite his release, the pontiff may not be able to preside over Easter services. For the first time in his 26-year reign, he has designated cardinals to celebrate Masses at St. Paul’s Cathedral during Easter week. The pope, 84, suffers from Parkinson’s disease and other ailments.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Democrats: How to rebuild a damaged brand
Feature Trump's approval rating is sinking, but so is the Democratic brand
-
Unraveling autism
Feature RFK Jr. has vowed to find the root cause of the 'autism epidemic' in months. Scientists have doubts.
-
'Two dolls': Can Trump sell Americans on austerity?
Feature Trump's tariffs may be threatening holiday shelves but they've handed Democrats a 'huge gift'