"Finally, the church in Rome has decided to give us a platform," Nneji said.

The revelation of God's love toward humanity is made known through contemplating the crucifix and not just using it as work of art or as a fashion accessory, Pope Francis said. 

Some dicasteries once led by cardinals are now led by bishops and priests and, thus, pave the way for more participation by laypeople, especially women, in church decisions, said Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa.

Father Grande was known as a champion of the poor and the oppressed at a time when El Salvador was on the threshold of a civil war, a war that eventually killed over 70,000 people.

Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals discussed the possibility of establishing regional tribunals around the world that would judge cases of sexual abuse allegedly committed by clergy.

The judge resigned his position on the Vatican tribunal.

The pope's brother reportedly told a German magazine that Pope Benedict was sick.

Society cannot look the other way and allow a culture that demeans the dignity of women to persist, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis and King Abdullah renewed their commitment to “encourage negotiations as well as promoting interreligious dialogue.”

In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the reading from St. Luke's Gospel, in which the angel appears to Mary, informing her that she is with child.