On the eve of the Outreach 2021 L.G.B.T. conference, Father Martin received a handwritten personal letter in Spanish from Francis, expressing his support.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz and other immigration advocates were there to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris.

“In every large city in Brazil, you can now see a greater number of kids begging for money or selling candy on the streets than before the pandemic.”

The pope told the public gathered in St. Peter's Square that he was joining his voice to that of the Asian nation's bishops in also calling for humanitarian corridors.

The Vatican said Pope Francis on Saturday approved a decree declaring the "heroic virtues" of Schuman, a former prime minister, finance minister and foreign minister for France after World War II.

Both supporters and critics of the proposal said it could be used to pressure bishops to deny Communion to pro-choice Catholic politicians.