ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM MADAGASCAR -- Pope Francis told reporters he hoped and prayed the Catholic Church would not experience a new schism, but human freedom means people always have had and will have the "schism option."

PORT LOUIS, Mauritius -- Statistical indicators show Mauritius' rapid economic growth has benefited all sectors of society, lifting thousands out of poverty over the past 30 years, but Pope Francis still urged the island's Catholics to be careful.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis appointed three delegate presidents for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- Here is the Vatican's English translation of Pope Francis' "Prayer for Workers," which he prayed Sept. 8 at the Mahatazana stone quarry:

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- Standing where the phrase "by the sweat of their brow" is a daily reality for hundreds of Madagascar's poor, Pope Francis prayed for those whose daily bread is earned by hard physical labor and for the unemployed longing to earn a living for their families.

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- God's plan for humanity involves community, mutual support, sharing and caring for each other and for the earth, Pope Francis said.

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- Following Jesus means growing in friendship with him and with one's brothers and sisters, never being content with the way things are, but not just griping about them either, Pope Francis told young people.

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- In Madagascar, where the destruction of the environment and the suffering of the poor are inextricably bound, Pope Francis urged government officials to promote development projects that protect nature.

MAPUTO, Mozambique -- When Jesus told his disciples to love one another and pray for their enemies, he meant it -- even disciples in a nation like Mozambique, where political tensions have led to violence, war and death, Pope Francis said.

MAPUTO, Mozambique -- The Catholic Church's ministers -- including catechists and bishops -- are called to be realistic, to treasure the Christian identity and to never be afraid to move forward and try new ways to bring the Gospel to life, Pope Francis said.

When the Amazon suffers, the world suffers.

MAPUTO, Mozambique -- With a courtesy and solemnity seldom seen at a gathering of opposing political leaders, Mozambican politicians came together a month before their general election to welcome Pope Francis and pledge to work for peace and the common good.

MAPUTO, Mozambique -- Greeted with full military honors, traditional dances and huge crowds lining the streets, Pope Francis arrived in Mozambique Sept. 4 at the start of a weeklong trip to Africa.

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO MOZAMBIQUE -- Pope Francis told a reporter that it is "an honor when Americans attack me."

VATICAN CITY -- Before a synod, bishops must learn what their people want and think and need, not so they can change church teaching, but so they can preach the Gospel more effectively, Pope Francis told the bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.