Pope Francis
29 Jan
Pope Francis said he understands the opposition to same-sex blessings among priests in Africa, saying he knows "homosexuality" is considered "bad" in many societies and cultures there.
19 Dec
The Vatican says it will allow priests to bless same-sex and unmarried couples. However, it says, such blessings are not a sign of the Catholic Church's approval and cannot happen as part of a religious ceremony.
2 Oct
Pope Francis elevated 21 clerics from around the world to the rank of cardinal. These appointments effectively allow the pope to influence the election of his successor.
26 Sep
European governments have a duty to rescue asylum seekers who cross the sea to escape conflict, Pope Francis said in Marseille. He called it "a duty of humanity" to save people in difficulty.
24 Sep
During a speech in France, the Catholic leader urged a humane pan-European response to migration. French President Emmanuel Macron attended the address as his government deliberates a harsher response to asylum-seekers.
22 Sep
Pope Francis heads Friday (September 22) to Marseille for a two-day visit focused on the Mediterranean and migration, and bringing a message of tolerance amid bitter debate over how Europe manages asylum seekers.
22 Sep
The Pope is heading to Marseille in southern France. He's expected to deliver harsh comments on the living conditions of migrants.
4 Sep 2023
At the end of his historic trip to the Buddhist nation, Pope Francis said the Catholic church is driven by faith to help the needy, and not as a way of attracting new converts.
4 Sep 2023
After a mass in Mongolia attended by some groups of Chinese Catholics, the pope told them to be "good Christians and good citizens."
3 Sep 2023
With just over 1,400 Catholics, Mongolia is one of the smallest and newest Catholic communities in the world. Pope Francis makes the trip while also casting an eye toward China.
28 Aug 2023
Comments Pope Francis made during a private discussion on a recent trip to Portugal criticizing the US Catholic Church, home to several of his more staunch opponents, have been made public in Italy.
16 Jun 2023
The head of the Roman Catholic Church is "better than before," a doctor said, after he underwent a hernia operation.