"The defense of human beings knows no barriers," says Pope Francis in a conversation with the Italian journal Libertàcivili.

Religious people must listen to one another and speak to each other as brothers and sisters, the pope said. "Listen and speak softly, peacefully, seeking the path together."

Italian media report that a nerve gas was used in yesterday’s attack by the forces of the Assad regime against the rebels in this area.

The promotion of Monsignor John Kennedy to head of the discipline section of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith was the second abuse-related appointment in recent days.