VATICAN – On the eve of the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' election, retired Pope Benedict XVI defended the continuity of the church's teaching under his successor and dismissed those who criticize the Pope's theological foundations.

VATICAN – True Christians take risks to constantly seek out Christ, because they know that receiving God's grace is just the beginning of a lifelong journey toward real joy, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Cardinal Karl Lehmann, longtime president of the German bishops' conference and a respected theologian who participated in the Second Vatican Council, died March 11.

BRUSSELS – The new head of a commission representing Europe's Catholic bishops pledged to combat populism and promote European unity.

By truly listening to the penitent during confession, "we listen to Jesus himself, poor and humble; by listening to the Holy Spirit, we put ourselves in attentive obedience, becoming listeners of the Word" in order to know what God wants to be done, he said.

VATICAN – Pope Francis has chosen the theme and appointed members of the preparatory council for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon region, which will take place in Rome in October 2019.

VATICAN – In light of this year's Synod of Bishops on young people, Pope Francis has asked that the Way of the Cross meditations be written by a group of students.

VATICAN – Pope Francis has cleared the way for the canonizations of Blesseds Paul VI and Oscar Romero.

LAGOS, Nigeria – Bishop Hilary Dachelem of Bauchi has appealed to the Nigerian government and security agencies to work for the rescue of the 110 schoolgirls kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in February.

VATICAN – Christians must let go of resentments and forgive those who have wronged them so that they may experience God's forgiveness, Pope Francis.