Pope Francis
5 Oct 2021
In his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis deplores the "terrible outbreak of violence" in the prison of Guayaquil, Ecuador, where at least 118 inmates died - including six beheaded - in rioting among rival gangs before police regained control.
19 Sep 2021
Pope Francis met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose right-wing, anti-immigrant policies clash with Francis' call for countries to welcome refugees. Francis discussed refugees and anti-Semitism in Budapest.
17 Sep 2021
Archbishop Stefan Hesse was on leave after being accused of neglecting his duty in a report on sexual abuse at the diocese of Cologne.
12 Jul 2021
Pope Francis, seemingly in a good overall condition, has made his first public appearance since having intestinal surgery last week. The church leader stressed the importance of accessible and free healthcare for all.
17 May 2021
Pope Francis says the loss of innocent lives in violence between Israel and Palestinians is "terrible and unacceptable" and appeals for those who have responsibility to "walk the paths of peace".
14 Mar 2021
With the crumbling stone walls of Mosul's Church of the Immaculate Conception behind him, Pope Francis prays for "victims of war" and makes a plea for Christians in Iraq and the Middle East to stay in their homelands.
8 Mar 2021
Iraq's Christian minority has dealt with decades of persecution — and many are skeptical about whether a four-day visit by Pope Francis will make a difference.
26 Dec 2020
Pope Francis has urged global unity in an address that frequently referenced the coronavirus pandemic. He said walls of nationalism could not be built to stop a health crisis that knows no borders.
26 Oct 2020
The pope has made a surprise announcement while addressing the faithful at the Vatican, announcing a group of new cardinals who could help ensure Francis' eventual successor will continue his legacy.
11 Oct 2020
We take a look at the mystery shrouding Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis and the still unclear details surrounding his hospitalisation. We also look at press coverage of the pope's third encyclical, calling for brotherhood and solidarity in the midst of growing conflict and nationalism. We finish with a diplomatic analysis of the ongoing crisis between Armenia and Azerbaijan and learn about an unsavoury possible solution to cognitive decline in the elderly.
5 Sep 2020
Pope Francis warns that Lebanon faces "extreme danger that threatens the very existence of the country" following last month's massive explosion.
13 Apr 2020
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.