The pope’s talk was aimed at promoting a synodal culture, rooted in humility, at the heart of the central government of the church.

In his message for the 2022 World Day of Peace, Pope Francis proposed three paths to peace: dialogue between the generations, greater investment in education and job creation.

A new document from the Vatican congregation that oversees Mass and the sacraments offers responses to questions some bishops have asked about restrictions on the celebration of the pre-Vatican II liturgical rite.

Pope Francis, who turned 85 on Dec. 17, is “looking well and in good health,” Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the archbishop of Mumbai, said in an exclusive interview with America’s Vatican correspondent.

Pope Francis arrived at the foot of the statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at 6:15 a.m. and prayed for “the miracle of cure for the many sick people” in today’s world.

Pope Francis revealed that a second meeting between him and the Russian Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow is under consideration. “It’s on the not-distant horizon,” he said.

Pope Francis revealed for the first time that the archbishop had given “small caresses and massages” to his secretary, which “was a sin” but “not the gravest of sins.”

“Here democracy was born,” Pope Francis said. “Yet we cannot avoid noting with concern how today — and not only in Europe — we are witnessing a retreat from democracy.”

“Let us not become paralyzed by fear of openness or bold gestures or give in to talk of ‘irreconcilable differences’ that, in fact, have nothing to do with the Gospel!”

“The European continent needs reconciliation and unity; it needs courage and enthusiasm, if it is to move forward. For it will not be the walls of fear and the vetoes dictated by nationalist interests that ensure its progress.”