Pope Francis embarked on Friday on the first ever papal visit to Iraq, his riskiest trip since his election in 2013, saying he felt duty-bound to make the “emblematic” visit because the country had suffered so much for so long.
Pope Francis said on Sunday he was hurt by Turkey’s decision to make Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia museum a mosque, the latest religious leader to condemn the move.
Pope Francis appealed for “an immediate global ceasefire” in all armed conflicts, as well as for the relaxing of sanctions and the reduction or forgiveness of the debt of poor countries. He urged an all-out effort to care for those who lack the basic necessities of life, including refugees and migrants.
The Mexican president has sent a letter to Spain's King Felipe VI and Pope Francis urging them to apologise for human rights abuses committed during the conquest of the region.
The Vatican said on Saturday (Sep 22) it had signed a historic joint agreement with China on the appointment of Roman Catholic bishops, though critics say the accord is a sell-out to the communist government.
Pope keeps silent on abuse claim letter at end of Irish visit. "I will not say one word on this. I think the statement speaks for itself."
The Vatican released a letter Monday from Pope Francis directly addressing for the first time the latest accusations of sexual abuse by priests. Here is the full text of the letter.
The Vatican has denied that Pope Francis told a well-known Italian journalist that "there is no hell".
