Junno Arocho Esteves

As war continues to threaten the Middle East and to undermine the existence of Christian communities there, the international community must do more to bring lasting peace, Pope Francis said.

Hearts closed to welcoming migrants and refugees are similar to those of the Pharisees, who would preach sacrifice and following God's law without exercising mercy to those in need, Pope Francis said.

Behind the indifference toward human life lies a contagious illness that blinds people to the lives, challenges and struggles of others, Pope Francis said

A Vatican court found Msgr. Carlo Alberto Capella, a former staff member at the Vatican nunciature in Washington, guilty of possessing and distributing child pornography.

The Ten Commandments given by God are meant to protect his children from self-destruction; they are not harsh rules meant to enslave and oppress, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis denounced using prenatal tests to determine birth defects that often lead to abortions, comparing it to the Nazi-era eugenics program that determined what lives were worth keeping.

The brother of Chilean Fr. Fernando Karadima called on his brother to ask forgiveness for the hurt inflicted on those he sexually abused.

Migrants seeking a better life in other countries must not be viewed with suspicion but rather defended and protected, no matter their status, Pope Francis said.

Arriving on his second visit to Chile, Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta said his mission to the country is a sign of Pope Francis' closeness to the local church following devastating reports of sexual abuse and cover-ups by members of the clergy.

Leading thousands of people in prayer, Pope Francis said he hoped the upcoming summit between the United States and North Korea would lead to lasting peace.

People who receive and give the sign of peace "should be men and women of peace" and not ruin "the peace made by the Holy Spirit with your tongue," the pope said during his general audience.

Pope Francis sent condolences to Guatemala after a horrific volcanic eruption buried entire towns in a thick blanket of ash and debris, causing hundreds to flee toxic fumes and killing nearly 70.

Jesus asks all Christians to prepare a place for him, not in "exclusive, selective places" but in uncomfortable places that are "untouched by love, untouched by hope," Pope Francis said.

After meeting with Pope Francis for more than four hours, a Chilean priest who suffered abuse and a priest who ministers to survivors said they felt comforted and hopeful for the church's future.

Pope Francis has named as apostolic visitor to Medjugorje the Polish archbishop he had initially sent to the town to study the pastoral needs at the site of the alleged Marian apparitions.

A life of holiness isn't defined by having visions or performing extraordinary feats of devotion, but by living with the hope of salvation promised by Christ, Pope Francis said.

The pope will meet June 1-3 with "five priests who were victims of abuses of power, of conscience and sexual abuse" at the hands of Chilean Fr. Fernanando Karadima or his followers.

To be true shepherds, bishops must embrace the virtue of evangelical poverty and shun the perks of living like kings who rule rather than serve, Pope Francis told the bishops of Italy.

Vatican City -- Every bishop in Chile offered his resignation to Pope Francis after a three-day meeting at the Vatican to discuss the clerical sexual abuse scandal.

After several days of private meetings with Chilean bishops, Pope Francis called on them to build a "prophetic church" that focus on care for the suffering, especially survivors of sexual abuse.