VATICAN – The example of selfless love and humble service set forth by Jesus at the Last Supper are the foundation of the Catholic Church's mission in the world, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – The church is like a bicycle -- it stays upright as long as it keeps moving, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – The church needs true prophets who not only speak the truth fearlessly, but also empathize with the suffering of their people, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Christian freedom is being free from worldly ambition, fashion and passion and being open to God's will, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass with thousands of young people, Pope Francis urged them to continue singing and shouting "hosanna" in the world, proclaiming the lordship of Jesus and following his example of outreach to the poor and suffering.

VATICAN – On Sunday Pope Francis said Jesus never leaves his followers alone, but always prepares them for the trials they will face, just as he during his transfiguration, which helped his disciples to understand and cope with his Passion and death.

VATICAN – Loudly boasting or complaining about fasting during Lent and treating others unkindly is not what God wants, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – In his daily homily Thursday Pope Francis drew a distinction between the biblical figures of David and his son Solomon, saying that, like David, sinners who repent are still able to become saints, but the corrupt will not achieve holiness.

VATICAN – Being afraid and concerned about the impact of migration is not a sin, Pope Francis said, but it is a sin to let those fears lead to a refusal to help people in need.

VATICAN – Prayer is a "high stakes" endeavor, requiring courage, perseverance and patience, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Pastors who preach one thing and do another are wounded and harm the church, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Christians have good reason to be joyful and should let it shine in their faces rather than sport sad, pessimistic looks, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Countries with low birthrates suffer from that awful disease called "demographic winter," Pope Francis said in a morning homily.

VATICAN – God shows his greatness through his tenderness toward his children like a loving father, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Like a sprout, humility needs to be nourished so that the Holy Spirit may grow within all Christians, Pope Francis said.