If you're a fan of comics, then it's pretty likely that at some point you yourself have fantasied about being a superhero in real life. I mean, come on: who hasn't wanted to be Batman lurking in the alcoves of Gotham city, or one of the X-Men living in Charles Xavier's mansion? In many ways, that's what the superhero genre is supposed to achieve: the costumed heroes who wear capes and tights are aspirational figures that we're supposed to look up to. But most people would draw the line at fashioning themselves a costume and actually becoming a superhero themselves.

However, as Peter Parker himself says, with great power comes great responsibility, and so now an ordinary man has decided to emulate his favourite Marvel superhero, dressing up as Spider-Man to entertain sick kids. In fact, he's taken to being a real-life hero so much that he's decided to quit his day job and pursue it full-time.

Ricky Mena, a 35-year-old former security guard, decided to quit his job as a bartender, and launch his non-profit business Heart of a Hero for cosplayers who want to comfort terminally ill children, after allegedly being visited by his dead grandmother in a dream. After crowdfunding for his charity-business venture, Mena has managed to bring a smile to the faces of 11,000 sick children, wearing a £400-£500 Spider-Man costumes and bringing them gifts.

Commenting on his superhero career, Ricky stated: "I was so excited when the first superhero suit I ordered finally arrived – being the exact same height and weight as Spider-Man in the comics, it felt perfect. I stood in front of the mirror and felt like it had chosen me, as much as I had chosen it. That was 2014 and I haven’t looked back ... Spider-Man shows peace, inspiration and fun. It turns into therapy for the kids to have someone to laugh with."

"Christmas is a tough time to do what I do.  I remember all the kids we lost throughout the year, but I still love the spirit of giving and bringing children in need the gifts they deserve. Any child in need – sick, poor or bullied – deserves a magical Christmas. I love showing up outside their houses with a truck of huge teddy bears and bikes and handing them out. I’ve seen kids scream and cry with excitement. A single mum of four who couldn’t even afford one gift fell to her knees and sobbed when I knocked on her door and gave her kids five expensive gifts each."

He added: "Rylan, a young boy I got to know and visited on many occasions, sadly passed away. His father asked me to carry his casket. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. You never think you’ll see a child die right in front of you. When the funeral was over, I went straight to the bar to start my night shift ... I cried and cried before I started my shift – I was a total wreck. That night there was an altercation at the bar and I got punched straight in the face. That punch was all I needed to knock my head into shape and make me leave my job."

Thanks to the generous donations made by his supporters, Ricky has now managed to acquire a collection of 12 Spider-Man suits and a van, to travel from hospital to hospital with other volunteers. Although he and his wife are still struggling financially, Ricky thinks that there's nothing more satisfying than comforting these kids. I think that if Spider-Man himself were real, he would be proud.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection, the Vatican has confirmed.

As reported by BBC News, the 86-year-old pontiff is expected to require "a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy" of care in a hospital in Rome after falling ill and having difficulty breathing.

The statement from the Vatican also added that The Pope's illness is not Covid.

At this time, the Vatican says that "Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer."

Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni issued a statement to the press on Wednesday that confirmed that The Pope's illness was detected as he attended "some previously scheduled check-ups".

It came after Pope Francis presided over the General Audience in St Peter's Square on Wednesday morning, The Vatican confirms.

The Independent reports that The Pope "appeared in good health", but did require some assistance getting into a vehicle - during which, he was seen "grimacing".

A source told BBC News that Pope Francis is receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital and is expected to be surrounded by his closest staff and a security team.

The Vatican has confirmed that The Pope's diary has been cleared for Thursday, in order "to make space for the continuation of tests should that be necessary."

Pope Francis has always been an active supreme pontiff, despite a series of mobility issues that have forced him to use a wheelchair in recent months.

It is reported that these mobility problems stem from issues with his knee.

Back in 2021, he also underwent surgery in order to treat a colon problem - also at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

Despite the condition returning in January, he has still been able to carry out visits to places like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo last month.

Pope Francis took over from his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, after the latter voluntarily stepped down due to poor health back in February 2013. This marked this first time a pope had opted to step down in centuries.

However, per BBC News, Pope Francis did hint back in January that he may also choose to surrender his position as the head of the worldwide Catholic Church if he feels his health has deteriorated to a point where he can no longer fulfil his duties.

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The Vatican has provided a new update on Pope Francis’ condition as he continues to battle bilateral pneumonia, surpassing two weeks in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

The Holy See Press Office reported Sunday morning that "the Pope is still resting following a peaceful night," offering a measured but reassuring note on the 88-year-old Pontiff’s recovery.

Respiratory Crisis and Treatment

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after struggling with persistent breathing difficulties.

Initially treated for bronchitis, doctors later diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs.

Following weeks of treatment - including a blood transfusion - the Pontiff's condition appeared to be stabilizing earlier this week, but on Friday (Feb 28), he suffered an "isolated breathing crisis" marked by bronchospasm and vomiting, leading to a rapid decline in his ability to breathe.

In response, doctors immediately administered non-invasive mechanical ventilation along with high-flow oxygen therapy.

The Vatican stated that the Pope showed a good response to gas exchange, indicating some stability. However, the prognosis remains "guarded" as medical staff continue to assess his progress.

Vatican Confirms No Fever or Infection Signs

A Saturday evening statement from the Holy See Press Office assured that while Pope Francis’ condition remains stable, doctors continue respiratory physiotherapy alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and extended periods of oxygen therapy.

Importantly, the Vatican clarified that the Pope does not have a fever or show signs of leukocytosis (a high white blood cell count, often linked to infection). Despite the health challenges, he remains alert, oriented, and in good spirits.

As concern for the Pope’s health grows, nuns and faithful Catholics gathered at St. Peter’s Square on Friday for Rosary prayers, offering support and solidarity during this critical period.

A History of Health Struggles

Pope Francis’ long-standing vulnerability to respiratory infections has made his battle with pneumonia particularly challenging. As a young man, he underwent a partial lung removal due to pleurisy, leaving him susceptible to lung-related complications.

This hospitalization marks the second time in a year that the Pope has been admitted to Gemelli Hospital, following treatment for bronchitis in March 2023.

Vatican insiders note that despite Friday’s scare, he was able to receive Communion and spend time in prayer before the crisis occurred.

Uncertain Road Ahead

While the Pope has shown some signs of stability, Vatican officials stress that "further days of clinical stability are necessary to resolve the prognosis." Doctors will continue closely monitoring his condition over the next 24 to 48 hours, assessing whether Friday’s bronchospasm episode has led to any lasting complications.

As Pope Francis fights to recover, the Catholic Church and its 1.3 billion followers worldwide remain on edge, awaiting further updates on his health.

Featured image credit: Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

The Vatican has issued its latest update on Pope Francis as he surpasses two weeks in hospital.

The Pope, who has been battling bilateral pneumonia for two weeks, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after struggling with persistent breathing difficulties.

He was initially treated for bronchitis before doctors diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs.

His condition had been showing signs of slight improvement earlier this week, with Vatican statements suggesting he was stabilizing. However, Friday’s crisis marked a significant setback.

Update on Saturday Morning

Pope Francis spent a quiet night in hospital after suffering a sudden respiratory crisis that required urgent medical intervention, the Vatican has confirmed.

"After a quiet night, the Pope is resting," the Holy See Press Office said in a brief statement on Saturday morning, offering a cautious but reassuring update on the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition.

This follows a worrying episode on Friday (February 28), when the Pope experienced an “isolated crisis of bronchospasm” that caused vomiting and a rapid deterioration in his ability to breathe.

He was immediately given non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which Vatican sources say he responded to well.

24 to 48 hours crucial for assessment

Doctors remain watchful as they evaluate the Pope’s condition over the next 24 to 48 hours, determining whether the bronchospasm episode has caused any lasting complications.

Although the Vatican has not given a prognosis, it stated that gas exchange levels in his lungs have returned to their previous state, suggesting some stability.

On Friday (Feb 28), a gathering of the faithful amassed in St. Peter's Square for Rosary prayers for Pope Francis.

A Challenging Road to Recovery

The pontiff’s health has been a concern for some time, as he is particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections due to a partial lung removal in his youth following pleurisy. He was previously hospitalized at Gemelli in March 2023 for bronchitis and has faced multiple health challenges throughout his papacy.

Despite Friday’s scare, Vatican insiders say Pope Francis remains alert and “in good spirits.” On Friday morning, before the crisis, he was even able to receive Communion and spend time in prayer.

Still, the Vatican acknowledges that “further days of clinical stability are necessary to resolve the prognosis,” reinforcing that his recovery remains uncertain.

As the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics continues his fight against pneumonia, the Church and faithful followers worldwide remain on high alert, awaiting further updates on his health.

Featured image credit: John Moore / Getty

US President Donald Trump is among the world leaders and royalty who have gathered in Rome to celebrate the life of Pope Francis amid the pontiff's funeral.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Rome on Air Force One late Friday night ahead of the funeral, which is taking place at 10:00AM local time (4:00am EST) at St Peter’s Square.

Alongside Trump and Melania, other global figures attending the funeral include French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Argentinian President Javier Milei. Australia is represented by Governor-General Sam Mostyn. Prince William is attending on behalf of King Charles and the British royal family.

Meanwhile, former US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden also arrived at the Vatican for the funeral. Biden was seen being assisted down the steps by wife Jill and a priest upon his arrival at St Peter’s Square, where he was one of the first prominent figures to arrive.

The attendance of both the Bidens and the Trumps marks the first time the two couples have been in the same place since the January 20 inauguration.

However, it seems that a friendly catch up isn't on the cards.

While flying to Rome aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked by reporters if he expected to see or meet Biden at the funeral. To which, he delivered a scathing response: "It’s not high on my list. It’s really not."

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush are not attending the funeral.

Despite the global moment of unity honoring the life and legacy of Pope Francis, Trump has also been called out for another comment he made during his journey to Europe.

While speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked about his attendance at the funeral. He responded, “I just thought it was out of respect.” He then added, “I won the Catholic vote," explaining, “I think it’s the first time that ever happened where a Republican won the vote, and I won it by a lot.”

Trump continued: “And you know, I have a great relationship to the Catholics. Very simple. But I won the Catholic vote, we got 56 per cent of the vote. I don’t know why we didn’t get more, actually I don’t know how they [the Democrats] got any. But we did well with the Catholic vote and my relationship is very good, so therefore you know I think it’s appropriate.”

The comment quickly sparked backlash on social media, with users accusing Trump of making the solemn occasion "all about himself."

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote that Trump started "babbling about how he won the Catholic vote and made it all about himself like a quintessential narcissist." Another commented: “It’s always about him. So if he didn’t win the Catholic vote he wouldn’t go?”

A third added: "'Out of respect', immediately trivializes it by talking about vote totals of Catholics."

Another X user said: "He’s simply incapable of putting anything in normal human terms. He can’t just say that he went because the Pope was a decent man and an important spiritual leader of one billion people. It has to somehow be recast in his own terms and who voted for him."

President Trump previously had sharp disagreements with Pope Francis during his presidency, particularly regarding immigration, the treatment of migrants, and climate change.

In 2016, Pope Francis commented on Trump's "Build the wall" slogan, stating that anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is “not Christian.” Trump had called the comment “disgraceful.”

However, following Pope Francis' death, Trump praised the pontiff as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world.” Trump also ordered that US flags be flown at half-staff in the Pope’s honor.

Trump had initially stated that he expected to hold "a lot" of meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the funeral but later suggested he would limit such engagements out of respect for the occasion. “Frankly, it's a little disrespectful to have meetings when you're at the funeral of a pope,” he said. He added, “I'll be talking to people. I'll be seeing a lot of people.”

He noted that time constraints might limit meetings, as he arrived late and was scheduled to return to the United States immediately after the funeral. "It’s a little tough because we don’t have much time. I think that we’re going to try and see a couple of people that are important in what we’re doing," Trump said.

Trump has been involved in efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and negotiate new trade agreements. He posted on Truth Social upon his arrival that Ukraine and Russia should meet for "very high level talks" to end the three-year war.

His envoy, Steve Witkoff, had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier Friday, and Trump said both sides were "very close to a deal."

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. Following several days of public mourning and viewings at St Peter’s Basilica, his funeral at St Peter’s Square today marks a historic event, with the Pope being the first in more than a century to be buried outside of St Peter’s Basilica, choosing instead Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major as his final resting place.

The service is being led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, with around 200,000 mourners expected to attend, per The Independent.

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