Popes illness confirmed
The week's news at a glance.
Vatican City
The Vatican this week publicly acknowledged for the first time that Pope John Paul II has Parkinson’s disease, as observers long suspected. The confirmation came as the pontiff celebrated his 83rd birthday. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said prayer had kept the pope going since he was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disorder years ago. “He puts himself in the hands of God,” Re said. The pope marked his birthday by presiding over a Mass in St. Peter’s Square in which he elevated two Poles and two Italians to sainthood. Sitting in a hydraulic chair that allowed him to say Mass while seated, he spoke in a strong voice during the two-hour service, appearing more fit than he had in years.
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.
-
What are your retirement savings account options?
The explainer The two main types of accounts are 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
By Becca Stanek, The Week US
-
7 tranquil hotels worth the trek
The Week Recommends Find serenity off the beaten path
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
'From his election as pope in 2013, Francis sought to reform'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US