Christians are called to be apostles of the mercy which seeks to encounter all forms of poverty and to free this world of so many types of slavery.

Drawing attention to the ongoing violence in Ukraine, Pope Francis called for a special collection in all of the Catholic churches in Europe.

The apostolic exhortation bears the title “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”), on love in the family.

While most of those killed were Christians, many were also Muslims.

Pope Francis highlighted the plight of refugees and drew attention to the persecution of Christians and the exploitation of the planet.

“Today is...the celebration of this truth: nothing and no one will ever be able to separate us from the love of Jesus.”

The pope read a prayer-homily in which he highlighted the different forms the cross takes in today’s world.

Pope Francis' powerful gesture comes at a moment of high tension in Europe.

Pope Francis reminded bishops and priests that like Jesus they should not hesitate to show excess in forgiveness.

Opening could lead to a rewriting of the history of Latin America.