As the pope’s step faltered, his cries for peace increased, although not without controversy and criticism.

Slovenian Jesuit and artist Father Marko Rupnik has been barred from hearing confessions or offering spiritual direction after complaints about his ministry.

Stopping to gaze at and perhaps pray before a Nativity scene is one of the best ways to remember the real meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said.

Peace, unity and reconciliation also are the themes Pope Francis is expected to focus on in Congo, a nation rich in natural resources but torn apart by ongoing violence.

In an unusual move, the Vatican issued a public statement of regret, essentially accusing the Chinese government of violating its agreement with the Vatican.

Pope Francis has suspended the secretary-general and other top officers of Caritas Internationalis, appointing a temporary administrator to oversee improved management policies.

Christian leaders should “be courageous and search together” for a solution that will bring a common celebration of Easter every year, the pope said.

After meeting with Pope Francis and other Vatican official, the president of the bishops’ conference said claim that German church is moving toward schism are ‘meant to intimidate us.’

The mission of a seminary “is not to form ‘supermen’ who pretend to know and control everything,” but to help seminarians become priests who are humble servants, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis reiterated the Holy See’s commitment to end the fighting and find a way to obtain “a just peace."