The Catholic Church should function like a choir where every member contributes his or her unique part to create a harmonious whole, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis once again renewed his call for a cease-fire in Gaza following the rescue of four hostages that led to what officials in Gaza said was the killing of more than 270 Palestinians in an Israeli rescue operation that one European Union diplomat deemed a “massacre.”

The lawyer for the former Vatican employee accused of trying to sell St. Peter’s Basilica an allegedly stolen 17th-century manuscript about plans for the massive canopy over the basilica’s main altar said the illustrated manuscript is different from one listed in the archives and later reported missing.

In a world torn by strife, diplomacy offers hope by promoting dialogue, solidarity and cooperation for the common good, Pope Francis said.

Imbued with the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the model for loving and serving others freed from the pursuit of wealth, power or fame, Pope Francis said.

Rome is unique and has a vocation as a universal city, Pope Francis said.

Proclaiming the Jubilee 2025, Pope Francis appealed to the world’s wealthiest nations to “acknowledge the gravity of so many of their past decisions and determine to forgive the debts of countries that will never be able to repay them.”

While Pope Francis often raises warnings against “clericalism” and “spiritual worldliness” in the priesthood, he expressed his deep gratitude and affection for priests and deacons around the world for what he called their generous and faith-filled dedication to their communities.

A former employee of St. Peter’s Basilica is in Vatican custody after allegedly being caught in a Vatican-orchestrated sting operation involving the sale of a manuscript by Italian baroque master Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Pope Francis led his “School of Prayer” outside on a concrete driveway leading to a series of parking garages under a 30-family condominium on the outskirts of Rome.