One of the more remarkable things in a pontificate full of surprises is the fact that Pope Benedict XVI's major writings involved a significant engagement with the thought of Friedrich Nietzsche.
Pope Francis set a goal early in his pontificate to have dialogue with various religions, especially Islam, and from his many gestures and encounters with Muslims, some profound lessons emerge.
The pope said that cardinals and senior Vatican officials will now have to pay "ordinary" rent payments on the apartments owned by the Vatican in Rome.
The Diocese of Albany has placed a hold on celebrations of Mass with the 1962 Roman Missal, which affects two parishes in the region. Latin Mass with the 2002 missal can still be performed.