VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis wanted to go to Morocco in December to draw attention to the need for international co-operation in assisting migrants and in alleviating the situations that force people to seek a better life outside their homeland.

VATICAN CITY — To better protect minors and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse and exploitation, Pope Francis approved a new law and a set of safeguarding guidelines for Vatican City State and the Roman Curia.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has made it more than obvious that he does not like people kissing his ring.

VATICAN – As the capital of Italy and center of Catholicism, the city of Rome must work with the Catholic Church to preserve and defend its rich historical and spiritual traditions, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Claiming a lack of support for open dialogue and for an editorial line run by women, the director and editorial staff of a Vatican women's magazine have resigned.

VATICAN – Signing his document dedicated to young people, faith and discernment, Pope Francis said Mary, the mother of God, is a source of inspiration and strength for everyone who seeks to understand their vocation and remain faithful to it.

VATICAN – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of a Chilean cardinal who has faced widespread criticism for his handling of cases of clerical sexual abuse in the country.

VATICAN – When it comes time for young people to make an important decision in life, if the possibilities do not create excitement and trepidation, "it's better to go to bed" and think about it some other time, Pope Francis told middle school and high school students.

VATICAN – Access to clean, fresh water is a fundamental human right that must be defended, especially in poor areas where men, women and children are suffering the deadly effects of climate change, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – The place Pope Francis chose to sign his letter to young people is an important and popular sanctuary housing the Holy House of Loreto.

VATICAN – Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of an Italian missionary killed in Myanmar and seven Romanian Catholic bishops – one of whom was secretly named a cardinal by St. Paul VI – persecuted during the communist era.

VATICAN – The Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital in Rome is a sign of the Catholic Church's commitment to caring for and protecting the dignity of the sick, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state.

VATICAN – The season of Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on and practice the mercy of God toward others and not waste away sitting in judgment of others, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – The constant temptation and cancer of corruption is one of the most devastating illnesses to befall society, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – As he announced he would do after he was convicted of covering up sexual abuse committed by a priest, French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon met Pope Francis March 18 to hand in his resignation.