Pope Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” and “solidarity” with those affected by a pair of powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria Feb. 6.

In a statement condemning the attack against a Christian site—the fifth in Jerusalem in five weeks—the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land said it was following the incident “with concern."

He called for dialogue “immediately and without delay.”

From Masses to baptisms, weddings and confessions, the church provides a window into the religious life of Catholic expatriates in Qatar.

Despite the headlines of worker deaths, FIFA corruption and L.G.B.T. human rights violations (and yes, banned beer), billions around the world welcome the World Cup with relief.

Pope Francis recounts his visit to Bahrain and the interfaith dialogue that occurred there: "Meeting each other and praying together, we felt we were of one heart and one soul."