Pope Francis set a goal early in his pontificate to have dialogue with various religions, especially Islam, and from his many gestures and encounters with Muslims, some profound lessons emerge.

The pope said that cardinals and senior Vatican officials will now have to pay "ordinary" rent payments on the apartments owned by the Vatican in Rome.

“If the women of South Sudan are given an opportunity to develop, to have space to be productive, South Sudan will be transformed.”

The pope prayed that “all who honor his memory will be confirmed in the resolve to reject the ways of violence and overcome evil with good.” 

The Diocese of Albany has placed a hold on celebrations of Mass with the 1962 Roman Missal, which affects two parishes in the region. Latin Mass with the 2002 missal can still be performed.

Pope Francis is calling us to appreciate the vital interplay between the pastoral and doctrinal aspects of church teaching when it comes to sexual sin and the reception of the Eucharist.