The Gospel story of the sisters Mary and Martha, one sitting at Jesus’ feet and the other making sure their guest was served, is a lesson to Christians that every good deed done for others should flow from listening to God’s word, Pope Francis said.

Asking for prayers ahead of his visit to Canada July 24-29, Pope Francis described the trip as a “penitential pilgrimage” as part of a commitment to healing and reconciliation with the country’s Indigenous people.

The Jesuits at the Vatican Observatory were wowed like most people by the beauty of the photos from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, but the director said they also are excited by the scientific information the telescope will reveal.

Religious orders must never tolerate the abuse of children or vulnerable persons, and they must end the practice of moving alleged abusers to other countries, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis said all the speeches he has prepared for his trip to Canada “begin and end” with asking forgiveness.

The care of the environment and the fight against climate change is not a lofty goal for humanity but a moral imperative, Pope Francis said.

Ten days after saying he would name two women to the group that helps him choose bishops, Pope Francis appointed three women to the office.

The more Catholics and Pentecostals understand each other and bear witness to Jesus’ call for his disciples to be one, the more effective they can be in sharing the Gospel, Pope Francis said.

Young Europeans must be a sign of unity and inclusion to counter today’s culture that seeks to divide humanity through violence and indifference, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis called on authorities in Sri Lanka to listen to the cries of their people after months of civil unrest culminated with protesters storming the residences of the country’s president and prime minister.