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Pope, Russian Orthodox patriarch to meet in Cuba, Vatican announces

VATICAN CITY - After almost three decades of tense Catholic-Russian Orthodox relations, Pope Francis will meet Patriarch Kirill of Moscow Feb. 12 in Cuba on the Pope's way to Mexico.

Pope asks Mexican people for time alone with Our Lady of Guadalupe

VATICAN CITY - In a video message one week before his apostolic visit, Pope Francis asked the people of Mexico for some time alone during his visit to pray before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

God wants to save you; will you let him, Pope asks

VATICAN CITY - God doesn't want to condemn anyone; he wants to save every person in the entire world, Pope Francis said.

Vatican downplays film promo, says Pope will not have movie debut

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis will not be an actor in a proposed movie based on the Gospels, a Vatican spokesman said.

Cardinal confirms some priests decline appointment as bishop

VATICAN CITY - Although the number is not high, it is no longer "exceptional" to have priests turn down an appointment as bishop, said Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

Interpreting the Bible through nuance

TORONTO - Chances are you’ve never heard a homily preached on Deuteronomy 20:10-18. It’s kind of difficult to apply these God-given rules of war to daily life in the 21st century.

So many get it so wrong

When it comes to misreading the lectionary on Sunday morning, there’s lots of ways of going wrong.

Pope Francis: World’s powerful are ‘slaves to sin’ who risk hell by ignoring the poor

Pope Francis is taking direct aim at the wealthy and powerful of the world, saying in his message for Lent that they are often “slaves to sin” who, if they ignore the poor, “will end up condemning themselves and plunging into the eternal abyss of solitude which is hell.”

Pope tells Iran's president he has 'high hopes' for peace

VATICAN CITY - Meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the Vatican, Pope Francis told him he had high hopes for peace.

Christianity 'running on fumes,' U.S. bishop tells eucharistic congress

CEBU, Philippines - Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron said popular culture's message of individuals being "infinitely right" is "repugnant to (Catholics') eucharistic faith." But he also said Christianity is "running on fumes" as it tries to counter the trend of people leaving the church or staying away from the Eucharist.

Live your faith during Lent, perform works of mercy

VATICAN CITY - Lent is a time of conversion and a time to deepen one's faith, demonstrating and sharing it through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, Pope Francis said.