"By taking one small step, we make God’s mercy overflow in situations of desolation."

On April 12, Pope Francis appointed James Martin, S.J., America's editor at large, as a consulter to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communications.

The congregation shouted “Shame, shame!” at the Rev. Edward Pushparaj when he said Pope Francis had only been “bad” for the Catholic Church.

Despite recent and repeated terrorist attacks against Egypt's minority Christian communities, Pope Francis will not cancel his visit to Egypt.

Humility, courage and openness are crucial in creating harmony between social, scientific and political bodies, the pope said.