Pope Francis said that the use of new digital platforms requires a willingness to accept that "the attachment to the past may prove to be a dangerous temptation."

"The pope wants to ask their forgiveness, share his pain and shame for what they have suffered and, above all, listen to all suggestions that can be made to avoid the repetition of such reprehensible acts."

Protests against proposed social security legislation led to the deaths of more than two dozen people.

Members of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America proposed that the church hold a Synod of Bishops "on the theme of the woman in the life and mission of the church."

A suspected chemical-weapon attack occurred late April 7 when Syrian army warplanes bombed the eastern town of Douma.

The final words at Mass -- "Go in peace" -- are an invitation to Christians to proclaim God's blessings through their lives, not an opportunity to go outside and speak ill of others.

According to Caritas Roma, an estimated 1.4 million euros ($1.7 million) worth of coins were tossed into the famed fountain in 2016.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell."

For Peter and his family, the significance of Pope Francis' gesture wasn't just a dream come true, but a sign that God had bigger and better plans in store for them.

"Finally, the church in Rome has decided to give us a platform," Nneji said.