The appointment of a special delegate raises the question of what will happen to Cardinal Burke. He is still cardinal-patron of the order but no longer the pope’s sole interlocutor with the order.

“We are builders of bridges, not of walls," said the Vatican's number three official.

Christians and Muslims must remain "united together in prayer," the pope said.

Some bishops' conferences are unhappy with the translation of the Roman Missal required by "Liturgiam Authenticam."

“I don’t like to anticipate what happens or to judge people in advance.”

Though clearly a commercial venture, Lust nonetheless makes sad reading and raises some questions.

Pope Francis puts his credibility on the line not only in the foreign policy field, but also in the pastoral field, outgoing U.S. Vatican Ambassador Ken Hackett says.

The cardinal already serves as president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

Migrants and refugees must be given a dignified welcome, the pope said in his New Year's message.

He prayed for people across the globe, and especially for the people of Aleppo.