VATICAN CITY – Religions can play an important role in protecting the environment and defending human rights in their countries, their communities and their schools, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY – Peace cannot be achieved by huge protests or international conferences unless it begins in people's hearts, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY – While retired Pope Benedict XVI said organization and governance are not his strong suits, he also said, "I am unable to see myself as a failure."

VATICAN CITY – The world's Benedictines offer precious gifts by providing quality education, quiet refuge in a hectic world and loving hospitality to anyone in need, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY – Love for those society considers "useless" or even a bother led St. Teresa of Calcutta to a courageous defence of the unborn, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

WASHINGTON – Long before the grand opening neared for the Smithsonian’s new museum devoted to African-American history, Amirah Muhammad had a difficult decision to make.

VATICAN CITY – With a large tapestry bearing the portrait of the woman known as the "Saint of the Gutters" suspended above him, Pope Francis proclaimed the sainthood of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, hailing her courage and love for the poor.

VATICAN CITY – At every canonization ceremony, people connected to the new saint carry to the altar a relic – often a bone shard from the new saint's body. The relic presented at the Mass for St. Teresa of Calcutta was a few drops of her blood.

VATICAN CITY – An Indian priest now working in the United States credits Blessed Teresa of Calcutta with saving his vocation.

CALCUTTA, India – A favourite motto of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was: “Do small things with great love.”