Pope Francis opened the new year by highlighting in his homily for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and his Angelus message the same day, the central role women have played in salvation history and that they still have for bringing peace to the world.

Pope Francis urged people to pray and work for peace in no less than ten conflict situations worldwide.

In his annual Christmas address to cardinals and bishops who work at the Vatican, Pope Francis said the real division in the church since Vatican II is “between lovers and those who have lost that initial passion.”

“After this war, I fear there will be no more Christians in Gaza after a continuous presence of more than 18 centuries,” Bishop William Shomali said in an exclusive interview.

In a new Vatican document, Pope Francis opened the door for ‘blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples.’

Francis condemned the killing of two women in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, and the attack on the convent of Mother Teresa’s nuns that care for disabled persons.

A Vatican tribunal has condemned Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu to five years and six months in prison.

Vietnam’s Catholic bishops and community have long wanted the pope to come, and Francis has throughout his pontificate given special attention to Asia.

Francis, who will celebrate his 87th birthday on Dec. 17, spoke freely about his health, the possibility of resignation and whether he is losing patience with detractors.

Marking the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Pope Francis called for peace in Gaza and respect for human rights.