Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is like an "arsonist," the pope said, setting people's hearts ablaze.

Mr. Spicer, a Catholic, had expressed a desire to meet Pope Francis in May, but he was left off the list of U.S. officials who accompanied President Trump to the Vatican.

The pope said that church teaching can contribute to a more humane and just society, but only if the church is allowed a voice in answering "the great questions of society in our time."

Cardinal Parolin said he had seen the most recent video attributed to Islamic State in which the pope and Vatican are threatened.

Bishops in Ireland have created detailed guidelines to address the plight of children born to Catholic priests and the women who bear them.

After reciting the Angelus prayer on the feast of the Assumption, the pope asked Mary to obtain "for everyone consolation and a future of serenity and harmony."