While Europe has played a significantly weighty role in the development of Christianity, "now we see how the church is growing in numbers in Latin America, in Africa and in Asia. The pope is making this clear. This universal character of the church is very beautiful."

People must ask themselves whether they are "'armchair Catholics,' who love to chat about how things are going in the church and the world," Pope Francis said, or if they are "apostles on the go," who are on fire with love for God and ready to offer their lives for him.

Cardinal Pell will return to Australia to appear in court at a hearing scheduled for July 6.

Jesus “has not called you to become ‘princes’ in the church,” the pope said, but “to serve like him and with him.”

An ailing Mali archbishop facing allegations of financial impropriety assured the Vatican on Tuesday he plans to show up at St. Peter's Basilica to be made a cardinal by Pope Francis.

The pope's words can be read as an answer to those who hope his pontificate may end soon.