RNS Morning Report - Pope Francis' openness about his health may be as tactical as it is truthful

Top Stories Pope Francis’ openness about his health may be as tactical as it is truthful (RNS) — Veteran Vatican reporters say we are witnessing a 'transparency arc' when it comes to the pope’s health.   For one Iranian family and their church, Trump’s refugee freeze leaves son in exile (RNS) — In California, a church had worked for years to help an Iranian family in their congregation bring their son to the US. He had all but boarded a flight when the freeze came.   At the border, a migrant evangelization ministry on pause BROWNSVILLE, Texas (RNS) — 'The word ‘migrants’ will be forgotten soon,' said the pastor of Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville, describing the recent shuttering of migrant services along the border.   Bishop George Edward Battle Jr., long-serving AME Zion Church leader, dies at 77 (RNS) — ‘Having served as an active Bishop for 29 years, Bishop George Edward Battle Jr. will take his place in history as one of our longest-serving active bishops,’ said AME Zion Church’s board of bishops.   RNS Opinion Trump ‘slurred’ Schumer as a Palestinian. In most parts of the world, it’s a compliment. (RNS) — Palestinians' nobility grows even as the American political arena abandons all decency.    ‘Are you a Zionist?’ (RNS) — Please do not curate our Jewish identity for us.   ICYMI Adding local color, American Hindus fashion Holi into a festival of belonging (RNS) — Thursday (March 13) marks the start of Holi, the colorful festival welcoming in springtime. But it’s not just for Hindus anymore.   On Purim in wartime, Jews wrestle with a biblical story of retribution (RNS) — The festival of fun and frivolity has been harder for some Jews to celebrate in the wake of the destruction of Gaza. In Other News Vatican announces plans for 2028 Church postsynodal assembly Cast of ‘The Chosen’ tease what’s in store for their characters in Season 5   Depend on our reporting? Help us out! As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. You can support this work! News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205