Much is still unknown about the 2019 novel coronavirus and why it can kill so many people and yet also can infect many more without causing any symptoms, Dr. Anthony Fauci told a Vatican conference.

“Brothers and sisters, let us all ask ourselves about this umpteenth tragedy. It is a shameful moment.”

Humanity either must live up to its responsibility or continue on a path of self-destruction, Pope Francis said, commemorating Earth Day with a video message.

Pope Francis has called for a global prayer marathon for the entire month of May, praying for the end to the pandemic.

When political life turns its back on the poor, it “will never be able to promote the common good,” Pope Francis said.

The podcasts are available on several platforms and they feature one of the pope's own Jesuit astronomers speaking with a notable figure in the world of space exploration or science.

The Vatican’s Stations of the Cross will feature texts and drawings from a troop of Italian scouts, two group homes for disadvantaged young people and a parish that serves people who are differently abled, the homeless and survivors of domestic abuse.

The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world has shown steady growth, while the number of religious men and women continued to decrease, according to Vatican statistics.

While the Catholic Church cannot bless unions that are not sacramental marriages, the church will always welcome and accompany everyone, no matter their situation in life, said the prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.

Pope Francis has named Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, a member of the Congregation for Bishops, the office that advises the pope on the nomination of bishops around the world.