VATICAN CITY – Fear nothing, break the chains that may bind you and bring hope to the world, Pope Francis told young people attending a special World Youth Day gathering in Cuba.

KRAKOW, Poland – The youthful face of God's mercy can change the hearts of people who have lost hope, Pope Francis said.

KRAKOW, Poland – Pope Francis held up the life of a young man who designed the World Youth Day graphics as a gift to the church.

From the readings of this Liturgy a divine thread emerges, one that passes through human history and weaves the history of salvation.

VATICAN CITY – As Pope Francis was getting ready to head to Poland this week, he had this message for the hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims gathering there for World Youth Day.

KRAKOW, Poland – Poland's Catholic bishops spent 90 minutes meeting with Pope Francis, but the meeting was private so people could speak freely.

KRAKOW, Poland – Poland's memory and identity are the two catalysts that will lead the country forward and turn hopeless situations – such as those facing migrants – into opportunities for future generations, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is urging young people to have courage and enjoy life to the full, in a personal video message he sent to a Texas diocese before leaving for World Youth Day in Poland.

VATICAN CITY – While recent terror attacks in Germany and Afghanistan bring sorrow and death to the world, they are also a reminder for Christians to pray fervently for peace, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY – With his visit to World Youth Day only a few days away, Pope Francis asked young pilgrims to accompany his visit to Krakow, Poland, with prayers.

VATICAN CITY – When Pope Francis goes to Poland to meet with an expected two million young people from around the world, he's going with a firm idea of the dreams, fears and challenges so many of them face.

Next to the Pope, the Vatican’s most quoted person is probably the papal spokesman. In an often thankless job, the spokesman makes official announcements, corrects misinformation, fields reporters’ queries and, generally, is the public face of a Church that is frequently misunderstood.

ROME – Pope Francis sent a high-ranking cardinal to South Sudan to urge for a peaceful end to the escalating violence in the country.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis said he looks forward to his upcoming visit to Poland for World Youth Day and that his visit will be inspired by mercy during this Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis has telephoned leaders of the terror-stricken French city of Nice, asking him what he could do to help in the wake of last week’s gruesome truck attack and promising to meet with the families of the victims as soon as possible.