Carol Glatz

Pope Francis asked people to pray for government officials and leaders who are tasked with making critical decisions and taking drastic measures that may make people unhappy.

The Legionaries of Christ has pledged to investigate all past credible claims of the abuse of minors by its members no matter how long ago the abuse occurred and to publish the names of all priests who have been convicted of abuse-related crimes.

Lent is a time to remove all distractions and bitterness from one's life in order to better hear God and those who suffer silently and need help, Pope Francis said.

Those who are meek are patient, gentle and merciful, drawing people together and salvaging relationships, Pope Francis said.

Recognizing and repenting for one's own sins and errors is difficult, but essential, Pope Francis said.

Christian doctrine is not modified to keep up with passing times nor is it rigidly closed in on itself, Pope Francis told members and advisers of the doctrinal congregation.

Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of six religious priests and brothers and seven laypeople who were killed in the 20th century "in hatred of the faith," clearing the way for their beatification.

With fake news becoming ever more sophisticated, people need the wisdom, courage and patience to discern and embrace constructive stories,

Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis condemned the "barbaric resurgence" of anti-Semitism and criticized the selfish indifference that is creating the conditions for division, populism and hatred.

After decades of anticipation, the Vatican archives are ready to welcome, starting March 2, scores of scholars wishing to study documents related to the wartime pontificate of Pope Pius XII.

People cannot call themselves Christians if they sow the seeds of war, Pope Francis said.

There always will be martyrs among Christians in the world, Pope Francis said.

Tasked with finding ways his predecessor should make amends for abuses, including gross financial misconduct, Bishop Mark Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, was able to meet with a top Vatican official to discuss those plans.

A thirst for God and for his true and undying love is rooted in the heart of every human being, Pope Francis said.

Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based confederation of 165 national Catholic charities, has expressed sadness and outrage over incidents of child abuse by a Belgian Salesian priest who had been the national director of Caritas in the Central African Republic

The Vatican's Christmas tree will be adorned with energy-saving lights, the governing office of Vatican City said.

When Pope Francis met with bishops from New York state, he expressed his gratitude, recognizing the difficulties many of them were facing, said Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of Albany.

The long nights and rain of November eventually lead to the expectation and joy of Advent and Christmas, which reminds people that Christian hope is the only way forward through difficult moments, said Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New York.

An economic system lacking any ethics leads to a "throwaway" culture of consumption and waste, Pope Francis said.

Expressing his hope to visit South Sudan next year, Pope Francis appealed to the leaders there to continue to follow the path of dialogue and the common good.