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FAITH/STORIES

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door before celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome Jan. 1, 2016. The Holy Doors of Rome's four major basilicas are now open.

God's mercy knows 'no limits,' frees people from despair, Pope says

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VATICAN CITY - God's ability to forgive "knows no limits" as his mercy frees people from bitterness and despair, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis leads Benediction during vespers in St. Peter's Basilica on New Year's Eve at the Vatican Dec. 31.

Mercy enlightens past year, gives hope for new year, Pope says

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VATICAN CITY - The gift of mercy is a light that helps Christians reflect on the past year and radiates hope at the start of the new year, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis walks in procession at the conclusion of Mass marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1, 2016.
January 1, 2016

Homily for Mass on Feast of Mother of God

Pope Francis delivered the homily at Mass on New Year's Day, the Solemnity of the Mother of God, in St. Peter's Basilica. Below, please find the full text of the official English translation of his prepared remarks.

Human rights activists hold placards during a rally in early October against the death penalty in Peshawar, Pakistan.

In Peace Day message, Pope addresses death penalty, debt, migrants

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis called for abolishing the death penalty worldwide, lifting the burden of debt on poor nations, global aid policies that respect life and revamped laws that welcome and integrate migrants.

Singing is good for one's soul and, as St. Augustine says, Christian life is not a sad path but a joyous one that is done "singing and walking," Pope Francis said.

Singing does good for the soul, Pope tells young choristers

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VATICAN CITY - Singing is good for one's soul and, as St. Augustine says, Christian life is not a sad path but a joyous one that is done "singing and walking," Pope Francis said.

Submerged roads and houses are seen Dec. 28 after several days of heavy rain led to flooding in Union, Mo. Pope Francis called on Christians to pray for victims of several natural disasters that have hit parts of the United States, Great Britain and Paraguay.

Pope prays for natural disaster victims in U.S., U.K., Latin America

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis called on Christians to pray for victims of several natural disasters that have hit parts of the United States, Great Britain and Paraguay.

A large crowd greets Pope Francis as he arrives for an audience in mid-June in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. More than 3.2 million pilgrims visited and attended papal events, liturgies or prayer services at the Vatican in 2015, the Vatican said.

Vatican says 3.2 million pilgrims visited in 2015

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VATICAN CITY - More than 3.2 million pilgrims visited and attended papal events, liturgies or prayer services at the Vatican in 2015, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis surprises family with Christmastime call

Pope Francis surprises family with Christmastime call

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Part of the appeal and notoriety that Pope Francis gained during the first two years of his pontificate came from his penchant for using his cellphone to call people out of the blue, from a struggling single mother to his cobbler back in Argentina to an ostracized bishop, and even the odd journalist.

Pope Francis speaks after delivering his blessing.

Families must open home to God or selfishness will reign, Pope says

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VATICAN CITY - Families need to open their doors to God and his love or they will harbor an individualism that endangers peace and joy, Pope Francis said on the feast of the Holy Family.

Pope Benedict XVI greets Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome, during his visit to the main synagogue in Rome in this Jan. 17, 2010, file photo. Pope Francis will visit the same synagogue Jan. 17, 2016.

Jubilee spree: Year of Mercy beefs up Pope's already busy year

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VATICAN CITY - When Pope Francis established the Year of Mercy, a full slate of Jubilee events were slotted into his already packed calendar for 2016.

December 25, 2015
Carla Maria Valenzi, 6, wears a Christmas hat in St. Peter's Square after Pope Francis' Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican Dec. 24

Let us gaze upon the Child Jesus, the Son of God

Pope Francis has celebrated Christmas Mass at St Peter’s Basilica. Below, you can find the prepared text of the Holy Father’s homily for the Holy Mass of the Nativity of the Lord “during the Night”:

Pope Francis greets people during an audience to exchange Christmas greetings with Vatican employees in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 21.

Pope to Vatican employees: Take care of your marriage, grandparents

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VATICAN CITY - Take care of your marriage and aging parents, play with your kids, and always make peace at the end of the day, Pope Francis told Vatican employees and their families.

Pope Francis talks with a bishop during the traditional Christmas greetings to the Roman Curia in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Dec. 21.

Seasonal checkup: Pope prescribes spiritual virtues to fight curial ills

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VATICAN CITY - If Pope Francis sees the Church as a field hospital after battle, then his annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia often looks like the triage tent, with him holding the charts.

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