Religion

Pope Francis experienced more respiratory problems and went on noninvasive ventilation on Monday, the Vatican said, as the head of the Roman Catholic Church battles double pneumonia in the hospital.

Pope Francis' condition remains critical but stable and he was able to do some work while still in the hospital with double pneumonia, the Vatican said in a Tuesday evening update.

Pope Francis, 88, has been in critical condition since the weekend but showed improvement and resumed some work Monday, the Vatican said.

The pontiff, 88, has been hospitalized for a week and a half and is receiving treatment for a complex respiratory infection.

The 88-year-old pontiff was initially admitted to the hospital on Friday for bronchitis. On Monday, the Vatican said test results show Francis has "a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract."

Leaders of a Baptist church in North Carolina ousted the pastor after congregants started leaving. A secret tape provides a rare look at the debate when a message threatens a business model.

For centuries, houses of worship have served as havens for people needing refuge — and, in recent decades, sanctuary from the U.S. government.

Several other schools have recently settled similar lawsuits, and suits are pending against others, including the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University.

Over the coming weeks, Hindu pilgrims will gather at the confluence of three rivers where they will begin a journey to reach Hindu philosophy's ultimate goal: the release from the cycle of rebirth.

The White House commended Pope Francis for his commitment to serving the poor, as well as advocating for peace and protecting the planet.