Bishop Ma's sudden decision to recant has sent "shockwaves" through China’s community of some 12 million Catholics.

At the annual meeting of the World Food Program, the pope said we need to “de-naturalize” extreme poverty.

Victor Soldano has been on death row in Texas since 1996 when he was first convicted for murder.

“This is the time to move out from the era of analysis and to begin concrete actions.”

Churches in Antioch and Bulgaria announced they would not participate unless certain questions are resolved beforehand.

Pope Francis and criminal-justice officials declare prostitution, forced labor and organ trafficking as “Crimes against Humanity.”

The decree makes it possible to remove diocesan bishops for neglecting to protect children and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse.

“There is no valid punishment without [offering] hope.”

Pope Francis will address the summit on Friday evening.

Today the pope returned to his role as spiritual retreat master.