“This trip is special because it is a visit to help Colombia to continue forward on the path of peace.”

Colombia has been torn by armed conflict since 1964, and drug-trafficking related to cocaine production is a major problem.

Despite being a frequent target of violence by the left-wing and officially atheist rebels, the church has pushed for peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness in Colombia, but not all Colombians agree.

Pope Francis addressed the Shalom community in his native Spanish and warns against the narcissism bred by consumer culture.

"We are called to be heralds of peace" says Pope Francis to interfaith religious leaders as tensions on the Korean Peninsula increase.

The Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, visited Russia from Aug. 20 to 24, upon an invitation from Russian state and church authorities.