Pope Francis honors what St. John Paul II called the indulgence's message of "pardon and reconciliation, that is, of grace, which divine goodness pours out on us if we are well disposed because God is truly rich in mercy."

"Refugees are people like everyone, but war took away their home, work, relatives and friends," Pope Francis said.

The pope's appeal came in the wake of a surge in violence in Syria. Government-led air raids reportedly bombed hospitals and other medical centers, killing patients and medical personnel.

During 2015, the Financial Intelligence Authority "received 544 reports of suspicious activities—almost three times as many as 2014.

Known for his missionary spirit and as a man of prayer, Archbishop Garcia has the ability to remain calm in the midst of any storm.

Not everyone in every part of the world is "at the same point" in recognizing the need to protect and care for children and survivors.

"The pope wants to fix the social injustices in society and I am completely with him on that," Sanders told Italian media.

Having HIV "is purely a medical condition," Loretto Sister Mary Owens said; she wants people to know "how unjust it is to stigmatize people...who are so vulnerable."

The path of nonviolence is a "daunting" task as is "reaching people's very souls" through compassion and dialogue.

Such hardened hearts often were behind the persecution of innocent men and women seeking to follow God's will.