Carol Glatz

Pope Francis welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Vatican Feb. 5 for a discussion that included the status of Jerusalem and the need to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Every religious leader must unmask and condemn any attempt to use God's name to perpetuate evil and to justify hatred, violence and exploitation, Pope Francis said.

Listening to the Scripture readings at Mass is hearing God speak directly to his people, offering spiritual sustenance and needed guidance for life's difficult journey, Pope Francis said.

Failure and disappointment in the Catholic Church's response to abuse should be an impetus to expand and improve healing and prevention, said a researcher at Rome's Center for Child Protection.

The Catholic Church must dedicate itself to properly forming and safeguarding the conscience of its faithful, especially young people, Pope Francis said.

The German bishops' conference decided to keep the traditional wording in the Lord's Prayer while the Italian bishops' conference changed the words of the prayer in their translation.

A truly pastoral minister never leaves people to suffer on their own or to become a victim to their own errors and confusion, Pope Francis told members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

To help parishes, groups, individuals and families better prepare for the World Meeting of Families, Vatican organizers are releasing a multimedia series of catechetical materials in five languages online.

All people have a right to freely profess their own religious beliefs without fear of duress, Pope Francis said, calling on the world community to do more to protect the Yezidi minority.

Global leaders must implement policies that support the family and offer real opportunities for the growth and development of all people, Pope Francis said.

In his last will and testament, a cardinal exiled to Rome, who survived the Nazis' Dachau prison camp and 17 years of communist persecution, requested to be allowed back home to Czechoslovakia for burial. 

Prayer is a "high stakes" endeavor, requiring courage, perseverance and patience, Pope Francis said.

A lifestyle that is environmentally ethical cannot be "schizophrenic" — for example, by showing more care for animals and forests, than for the plight of people, Pope Francis said.

A bishop, seven Trappist monks and 11 other religious men and women killed by extremists in Algeria in the 1990s will soon be recognized as martyrs, the postulator for their causes said.

In an increasingly complex world of unprecedented scientific and technological challenges, theologians must communicate what is essential about life and help Christians proclaim God's merciful, saving grace, Pope Francis told a group of Italian theologians.

The Vatican's Fides agency said 23 people working for the church worldwide died violent deaths in 2017, the majority victims of attempted robberies.

Only when Christ is the focus of the Christmas season do all the colorful lights, carols, special meals and traditions help create a festive and joyous atmosphere, Pope Francis said.

Don't be late for Mass believing the introductory rites do not matter, Pope Francis told visitors and pilgrims Dec. 20 during his weekly general audience.

People need factual and trustworthy news that avoids sensationalism and whipping up heated reactions, Pope Francis said.

Only relics that have been certified as authentic can be exposed for veneration by the faithful, said a new Vatican instruction.