Pope "gradually improving" from chest infection in Rome hospital
The Vatican says the pontiff, 86, "rested well" and even "resumed work," as the faithful held a vigil for him outside a Rome hospital for the second time since 2021.
Change At The Vatican
Pope expands women's roles in Church, but draws a line at priesthood
Francis has changed a 1972 rule that said only men could serve at the altar in virtually any capacity, but he's drawn a clear line under priesthood.
Pope Francis appoints first Black American cardinal
"By naming Archbishop Wilton Gregory as a Cardinal, Pope Francis is sending a powerful message of hope and inclusion to the Church in the United States," an official said.
Intrigue behind pope's comments on same-sex civil unions
The 20-second video clip didn't just raise eyebrows. It also raised suspicions.
Pope endorses same-sex civil unions for the first time as pontiff
Pope Francis made his endorsement of same-sex civil unions while being interviewed for a feature-length documentary.
Author compares Rome under the pope to D.C. under Trump
In his new book, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat delves into the "drama of the Francis pontificate"
Pope breaks recent silence over what U.N. calls "ethnic cleansing"
Pope Francis says it's "imperative" for world to provide assistance with Asia's worst refugee crisis in decades
Pope denounces climate change deniers
Pope Francis urges negotiators at climate talks in Germany to avoid falling prey to such "perverse attitudes"
2 ex-Vatican hospital execs face embezzlement charges
Ex-president and treasurer of Vatican's Bambino Gesu pediatric hospital accused of using donations to upgrade cardinal's apartment
Pope Frances opens a new pathway to sainthood
But if you're hoping for beatification, fair warning; this new option requires a premature death, and a miracle
Pope makes historic appearance in Egypt
Pope Francis on delicate visit to Arab world's most populous country following spate of deadly Islamic militant attacks against Christians
Sex abuse survivor quits pope's commission to protect minors
In massive public blow to Pope Francis' 3-year-old commission, Marie Collins accuses senior Vatican officials of "stonewalling" and failing to protect kids
Pope takes control of ancient Catholic order amid condom scandal
Big changes after resignation of Knights of Malta's grand master, who faced off with Pope Francis in condom distribution row
Pope Francis contemplates aging on his 80th birthday
Pope Francis shared breakfast with eight homeless people before heading to Mass on his 80th birthday
Pope warns against hostility targeting people of different races
Pope Francis speaks out during ceremony giving Roman Catholic Church new cardinals from six continents
Take a tour of the centuries-old papal summer retreat in Italy
Popes have relaxed here during the summer, but for the first time, the bedroom and other intimate spaces are open to the public
Pope visits Auschwitz death camp, leaves message behind
Walks through notorious gate bearing words "Arbeit Macht Frei" (work sets you free) at place where Nazis killed more than 1 million during WWII
Pope OKs new procedures on bishops who botch abuse cases
New procedures seek to answer long-standing demands by survivors of abuse that the Vatican hold bishops accountable
Is Pope Francis considering retirement?
At a Vatican event, Pope Francis answered a question from a young person about the possibility of stepping down
Pope washes feet of Muslim migrants
"We are all brothers," says pontiff after washing, kissing the feet of Muslim, Orthodox, Hindu and Catholic refugees
Pope Francis makes his debut on Instagram
Pontiff expands presence on social media beyond Twitter account followed by millions
Pope shocked by deadly attack that killed nuns
Vatican says pontiff was "shocked and profoundly saddened" by murderous attack at home for the elderly
Pope Francis touches families separated by U.S.-Mexico border
Undocumented woman tells CBS News she and her husband live just two-and-a-half miles away -- but on opposite sides of the border
Pope Francis takes on immigration policy in cross-border Mass
In his strongest stand yet in solidarity with migrants, Pope Francis celebrated Mass just across the Rio Grande from Texas
Airline: Pope's flight to Mexico hit during arrival
Incident involving plane carrying Francis to Mexico City comes amid increasing concerns from officials around the world
World
8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and injuring at least 200.
Hip-hop star reportedly shot dead in parking garage in Sweden
In a video, seemingly filmed with a camera worn by the shooter, a person carrying a handgun can be seen firing multiple shots in a parking garage.
7 killed in prison riot as officers try to transfer 2 dangerous inmates
One of the inmates with a gun held out for about three hours, protected by 20 fellow prisoners, officials said.
7-year-old killed, 6 other people wounded in stabbing attack at Croatia school
A 7-year-old girl was killed and at least five other students and a teacher were wounded in a knife attack at a school in Croatia, police said.
Malaysia agrees to launch new search for missing MH370 plane
The Boeing 777 carrying 239 people disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
Two journalists killed in northern Syria
A journalists' association says two journalists working for Kurdish media outlets were killed in Syria while covering fighting between Turkish-backed fighters and Syrian Kurdish militia.
Thousands of Jews have left Israel since the October 7 attacks
There's concern about whether emigration after Oct. 7, 2023 will drive a "brain drain" in sectors like medicine and tech.
Biden's top hostage envoy travels to Syria to ask for help in finding Austin Tice
Hostage envoy Roger Carstens traveled to Syria Friday, making the first known U.S. in-person contact with the caretaker government, and seeking help in finding missing American Austin Tice.
U.S.
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Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
MoneyWatch
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Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
What would a government shutdown mean for flights and air travel?
Here's what the anticipated record number of holiday travelers should know about how a government shutdown could affect trips.
Politics
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Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Mayorkas warns of "serious" consequences for Homeland Security if government shuts down
The warning came before the House passed a last-minute stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support Friday night, sending it to the Senate.
Biden issues likely last round of student debt forgiveness before leaving office
The Biden administration is canceling federal student loans for another 55,000 workers to the tune of $4.28 billion in what's expected to be the last such round before he leaves office.
HealthWatch
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Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
Frito-Lay recalls some Lay's chips over "life-threatening" allergy risk
Some 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips may contain an undeclared allergen, according to the snack company.
"Sleepmaxxing" trend has young adults optimizing their sleep
Sleep optimization, or "sleepmaxxing," is a popular trend among a younger demographic, but experts share a few words of caution.
World
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8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and injuring at least 200.
Hip-hop star reportedly shot dead in parking garage in Sweden
In a video, seemingly filmed with a camera worn by the shooter, a person carrying a handgun can be seen firing multiple shots in a parking garage.
7 killed in prison riot as officers try to transfer 2 dangerous inmates
One of the inmates with a gun held out for about three hours, protected by 20 fellow prisoners, officials said.
7-year-old killed, 6 other people wounded in stabbing attack at Croatia school
A 7-year-old girl was killed and at least five other students and a teacher were wounded in a knife attack at a school in Croatia, police said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The untold WWII story of "Six Triple Eight"
Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington team up on the film "Six Triple Eight," spotlighting the only all-Black women's battalion in Europe during WWII. Washington stars as Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer.
Alicia Keys surprises students at her former high school
The 16-time Grammy winner returned to the Professional Performing Arts School in New York, where she first began her career, and shares advice with current students.
Quirky Guinness World Records of 2024 include a skateboarding cat
As 2024 comes to a close, we took a look at some of the oddest Guinness World Records of the year.
Apollo Theater honored by Kennedy Center
For 90 years, the Apollo Theater has shaped American culture, launching icons like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. This year, it became the first institution honored by the Kennedy Center, cementing its legacy as a hub of innovation.
Alicia Keys surprises students at alma mater
Sixteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys celebrates her Broadway musical "Hell's Kitchen" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. In an exclusive interview, she revisits her alma mater to honor the teacher who inspired her and surprises students.
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Crime
Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
German Christmas market attack update
At least two people were killed and over 60 were injured after a car crashed into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Authorities arrested a suspect, saying they believe he acted alone in the deliberate act. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more details.
Toddler killed in German market attack, police say
At least two people, including a toddler, were killed, and at least 60 more hurt, after a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what authorities said appeared to be a deliberate attack. German police said a Saudi man has been arrested, but a motive has not yet been determined. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more.
Details on suspect in crash at German market
More than 60 people were injured and at least two killed Friday after a driver rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The driver is in custody and local government officials say they suspect the crash was deliberate. CBS News reporter Haley Ott has the latest details.
JonBenét Ramsey's dad on key evidence
John Ramsey, JonBenét Ramsey's dad, says he thinks DNA technology will lead to an answer in his daughter's brutal murder. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty breaks down her latest reporting on the case.
Space
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Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Holiday travel expected to break records
America's airports and highways will be jam-packed over the next two weeks, with the holiday travel season expected to set records. AAA is predicting more than a 119 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between now and New Year's Day, including 54 million air travelers. Here's what to know about the busy period.
Government shutdown averted at last minute
A government shutdown was averted at the eleventh hour. Congress approved a hastily revised short-term government funding bill after a previous attempt failed to pass the House this week. The earlier bill was upended by President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. The new bill funds federal operations and disaster aid, but does not address Trump's demands to raise or abolish the debt ceiling. President Biden is expected to sign the bill today.
The Uplift: A weather wonder
A 22-year-old forecasting the weather out of his bedroom is praised for helping people during natural disasters – and gets a big surprise from David Begnaud. And Santa comes early to two U.S. cities to bring Christmas magic to children in need. Plus, more uplifting news.
Eye Opener: Drone company creates record-setting light show
A North Texas drone company unofficially set a new Guinness World Record by using thousands of drones to create a stunning holiday light show in the sky. Meanwhile, a third-grader in Arizona is a hero after saving a friend from choking in the school cafeteria. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Eye on America: Inside human smuggling rings
In California, we speak to an anthropologist whose new book offers firsthand accounts from human smugglers helping people cross into the U.S. illegally. And in Nebraska, we hear from experts raising the alarm that road barricades aren’t strong enough against heavier electric vehicles. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.