In keeping with his "Mercy Friday" activities, Pope Francis makes surprise visits to a newspaper and to a therapeutic rehabilitation home in Rome.

Francis is the first pope to visit the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, a majority-Muslim country of 10 million people.

The pope’s comments have provoked consternation among previous admirers, who worry that he is walking back the more pastoral approach to L.G.B.T. Catholics that has been his hallmark, and rejoicing among some of his usual critics, who complain that his persistent emphasis on mercy can sometimes break church doctrine.

Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the death of the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.

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Although he was addressing some 60 staff and students from the Gesu in Rome, Francis’ message seemed to be addressed to the worldwide Jesuit community.