Pope Francis will visit Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius in his September trip, writes Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell, all former colonies facing development challenges.

The revised statutes are meant to ensure that the Vatican Bank conducts its business solely for “the works of religion and of charity.”

In a wide-ranging interview, Pope Francis warned of “sovereignism” as a force that leads to isolation and even war, and he discussed the ecological imperatives of the Synod on the Amazon.

The 5,000-word letter focuses on four themes: pain, gratitude, encouragement and praise.

President Trump traveled met Kim Jong-Un at the demilitarized zone along the 38th parallel that separates North and South Korea.

The synod is set to address the sexual abuse crisis as well as the lack of vocations and the non-acceptance of Catholic teaching on sexuality.

A columnist for Corriere della Sera has published a new report on a meeting that he had with Benedict XVI in the Vatican gardens.

The Holy See also calls on the Chinese authorities to refrain from using “intimidatory pressures” on the members of the underground church communities.

Francis emphasized the need for “theological freedom” and said that “without the possibility of experimenting new ways nothing new is created, and one does not leave space to the newness of the Spirit of the Risen One.”

While this proposal may draw most media attention, it should not be allowed to eclipse other significant aspects in the document, including the church’s strong commitment to work for justice for indigenous people and the protection of the environment.