People have high expectations for priests to be good spiritual and moral guides, to be active in helping the community and families, and to be someone young people can look up to, Pope Francis told bishops and priests from Sicily.

Health care is a fundamental right for all and not a privilege for the rich while the poor and disadvantaged are left to the wayside, Pope Francis said.

When the Vatican announced Pope Francis would travel to L’Aquila in central Italy Aug. 28 to open a seven-centuries-old celebration of forgiveness, people on social media began speculating that the pope would resign.

Pope Francis expressed his solidarity and closeness with Catholics in Nigeria after gunmen stormed a church and reportedly killed at least 50 people during a Pentecost Mass.

The Holy Spirit shows everyone where to begin, what paths to take and how to walk the great journey of life, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis appealed to world leaders to start “real negotiations” to end to the war on Ukraine and avoid bringing the world to ruin.

Meeting 18 young priests and monks from six Oriental Orthodox churches, Pope Francis insisted divided Christians must work together to share the Gospel.

The Vatican updated its COVID-19 protocols, allowing most employees and visitors to enter Vatican City State without a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery.

Family life is a path toward holiness where older and younger generations can learn to live with one another peacefully, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis sent well-wishes to Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning British monarch began the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of her coronation as well as the public celebration of her birthday.