Pope Francis calls for an "immediate" ceasefire in global conflict and urges European nations to show "solidarity" in the face of a coronavirus pandemic that has claimed more than 109,000 lives worldwide.

Pope Francis has offered sympathy to those who weren't able to say goodbye to their loved ones. Meanwhile, Europe's elderly have been warned that isolation measures may apply until 2021. Follow DW for the latest updates.

Pope Francis described violence against women as "blasphemy against God." A day earlier, the frustrated pontiff slapped the hand of a woman who yanked him towards her.

Pope Francis is traveling to Thailand and Japan, once again visiting countries with small Christian minorities. The head of the Catholic Church's visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima will be especially closely watched.

The leader of the Catholic Church has urged Mozambique's political leaders to uphold peace and tone down divisive rhetoric. The country is hoping to avert political violence in the run-up to elections slated for October.

Pope Francis is set to visit the cyclone-vulnerable nations of Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius this week. Climate change, corruption and poverty will be on the agenda in talks with leaders.

Pope Francis will make his fourth trip to Africa when he visits Mozambique, Mauritius and Madagascar from 4-10 of September 2019. Pope Francis will travel to Mozambique's capital, Maputo on the 4th then on to Antananarivo, Madagascar on Saturday 7th and Port Louis, Mauritius on Monday 9th of September according to the Vatican.

Pope Francis arrived in a vibrant welcome into Mozambique on Wednesday to encourage the country's fragile peace, starting a three-nation African tour where climate change, poverty, and corruption will also be high on the agenda.

Pope Francis has met leaders in North Macedonia, the birthplace of Mother Theresa. He is expected to preach a message of unity in a country struggling with deepening political division.

Although Pope Francis wants the Balkan nation to open its hearts and homes to migrants, there is considerable opposition to refugees in Bulgaria. Ties with the Catholic Church are also not warm.

The teenage climate activist and the leader of the world's Catholics agree that the world needs to fight climate change. Pope Francis gave his blessing for Thunberg's fight for the climate.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis has issued wide-ranging new sex abuse legislation that covers all Vatican personnel as well as those who work for the Vatican diplomatic corps. It aims to be a model for the church globally.