VATICAN CITY – In his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing Christmas Day, Pope Francis prayed that the Child Jesus, also called the Prince of Peace, would bring a real and lasting peace to everyone suffering from violence and conflict around the world.

VATICAN CITY – On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis noted how the coming of Jesus as an infant is paradoxical to the images of grandeur that had accompanied the prophesies on the coming of the Messiah, saying this should challenges us to go beyond the ephemeral and focus on what really counts.

VATICAN CITY – While exchanging gifts for Christmas is a beautiful tradition, Pope Francis said, do not forget the one and only real gift people will ever receive is God's gift to humanity – his son, Jesus Christ.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis furthered the sainthood causes of seven men and women as well as recognized more than 100 martyrs who were killed during the Spanish civil war.

ROME – As cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires, he took the subway. Then as Pope, he went out to buy his own eyeglasses. And now he picked up a pair of shoes.

VATICAN CITY – While hope can often be viewed as the desire for things out of our reach, Pope Francis has said that the birth of Jesus offers us a new kind hope – one which, thanks to the Incarnation, is attainable and leads to a different goal.

The annual World Day of Peace message is an occasion that can’t help but highlight the idealism expected from popes.

Going to Church is a big part of a Catholic Christmas — even if it’s not a big part of the rest of the year for the majority of Canadian Catholics.

VATICAN CITY – What are being called two major acts of terrorism in just the past 24 hours have prompted Pope Francis to again beg for an even stronger commitment to putting such bloody attacks, which have marred many parts of the world over the past 18 months, to an end.