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FAITH/STORIES

Migrants arrive at Zefyros beach near the coast of the southeastern island of Rhodes, Greece, April 20. At least three people drowned the day after Pope Francis appealed for the international community to do more to prevent such migrant deaths.

Pope urges prayers, action on behalf of migrants, unemployed, poor

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VATICAN CITY - The poor, migrants in search of a better life and the unemployed want what all human beings want: life, dignity and a chance to earn a decent living, Pope Francis said in several speeches urging compassion and assistance by both governments and individuals.

Jesuit Father Michael Lapierre will turn 100 May 2, and is taking it all in stride.

Jesuit centenarian knew what he wanted in life

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When you are about to turn 100 there’s a tendency for people to fuss over you and ask silly questions.

When people began asking 99.9-year-old Fr. Michael Lapierre what it felt like to turn 100, he told them “I don’t have a choice.” On May 2, Canada’s oldest Jesuit will take his 100th birthday in stride.

Pope Francis meets with representatives of the U.S. Leadership Conference of Women Religious in his library in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican April 16. The same day the Vatican announced the conclusion of a seven-year process of investigation and di alogue with the group to ensure fidelity to church teachings. The outcome resulted in revised statues approved by the Vatican.

Vatican, LCWR announce successful conclusion of process to reform group

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VATICAN CITY - The Vatican approved new statutes and bylaws for the U.S. Leadership Conference of Women Religious, ending a seven-year process of investigating the group and engaging in dialogue with its officers to ensure greater harmony with church teaching.

Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, asked the Pope and the Council of Cardinals to “take on the subject of accountability and responsibility” when it comes to those in leadership who fail to comply with child protection norms, says a Vatican spokesperson.

Pope, cardinal advisors discuss bishops' accountability in abuse cases

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VATICAN CITY - The question of accountability for bishops and religious superiors who fail to follow through on protecting minors from abuse was "put on the table" during the latest meeting between Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals, said the Vatican spokesman.

Pope Francis greets family members during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 15.

War of the sexes: Gender theory is the problem, not solution, Pope says

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VATICAN CITY - Eradicating male and female identities does nothing to solve the problem of unfair or disrespectful treatment based on people's gender, Pope Francis said.

The Vatican is expected to host a major conference on climate change ahead of Pope Francis’ upcoming encyclical on the environment on April 28.

Pope Francis uses weight of his office to tackle climate change

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The Vatican is set to host a major conference on climate change this month that will feature leading researchers on global warming and an opening address by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

In a message delivered at the Summit of the Americas, Pope Francis said he hoped the leaders would guarantee the rights of the poor to the “basic needs” of land, shelter, jobs, health care, education and security.

Do more to help the poor, Pope tells leaders at Summit of the Americas

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VATICAN CITY - With an obligation to lead and protect everyone in their nations, government officials cannot be content "to hope that the poor collect the crumbs that fall from the table of the rich," Pope Francis said in a message to the Summit of the Americas.

Pope Francis presents a document officially proclaiming the 2015-2016 extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy to a cardinal in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 11. The pope handed copies of the document to the archpriests of the major basilicas of Rome and to Vatican officials representing Catholics around the world.

Pope says Year of Mercy will be time to heal, to help, to forgive

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VATICAN CITY - Mercy is at the heart of the Church's credibility and the Church has a duty to profess it and live it, Pope Francis said in a document that officially proclaims the 2015-2016 extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy.

Women light candles in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's Old City April 5, Easter Sunday.

Share Easter joy, defend persecuted Christians, Pope says

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VATICAN CITY - Christians live the joy of the Resurrection when they share a smile with someone, weep with those who mourn and defend the rights of those persecuted for their faith, Pope Francis said.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal leads the Easter procession in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's Old City April 5. Christians in the Middle East are called to help the light of peace emerge from the violence and anguish of war in much of the region, drawing inspiration from the resurrected Jesus, Patriarch Twal said in his homily.

Latin Patriarch urges Christians to help light of peace emerge from war

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JERUSALEM - Christians in the Middle East are called to help the light of peace emerge from the violence and anguish of war in much of the region, drawing inspiration from the resurrected Jesus, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal said in his Easter homily.

Pope Francis walks to the altar during Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 5. Also pictured is Cardinal Franc Rode.

Humility is key to understanding Easter, sharing its joy, Pope says

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VATICAN CITY - To enter Christ's empty tomb like the disciples and see that he has risen, Christians today also must "bend down," Pope Francis said in his Easter message.

Pope Francis presides at the Way of the Cross outside the Colosseum in Rome April 3.

Papal preacher: Passion continues today as world ignores persecution

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VATICAN CITY - Widespread indifference to the violent persecution of Christians and other communities suggests the world is full of Pontius Pilates who eagerly wash their hands of all responsibility, the papal preacher said.

The ritual of the family meal goes a long way in keeping families closer and its youth out of trouble, studies show.

The Last Supper and the ritual of family meals

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During Holy Week, Catholics are called to reflect on the Last Supper, when the apostles came together like a family to break bread with Jesus for the final time. It was from that simple meal, with bread at its centre, that Christ gave mankind the Eucharist.

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