Carol Glatz

Begging Pope Francis to help his son, Alfie, Tom Evans met with the pontiff, pleading for "asylum" in Italy so his seriously ill son may receive care and not be euthanized in England.

The Catholic Church wants to listen to young people and know where they are coming from, but young Catholics must be ready to listen to Jesus and discover where he wants to lead them, Pope Francis said.

Friends and fans called him a "gentle giant," a faithful "prayer warrior" and a Clark Kent whose superman power was helping people grow in holiness and faith. 

Though they may go to church and say they are people of faith, the corrupt and "mafioso" have absolutely nothing Christian about them, Pope Francis said.

A new book-length interview with Pope Francis is a guide to a "revolution of tenderness" in which young people and the elderly — both "thrown away" by society — band together to help change the world.

Dialogue and respectful understanding are the prerequisites for social harmony and world peace, Hong Kong Cardinal John Tong Hon told a symposium on Christianity and China.

Receiving a delegation from Ireland and blessing an icon of the Holy Family, Pope Francis confirmed his intention to visit Dublin for the final days of the World Meeting of Families.

Despite the chill and gusts of wind in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis welcomed the beginning of spring with an impromptu lesson about gardening and how to grow into being better Christians.

Archbishop Michael Byrnes said a new chapter of humility, repentance and healing has opened for the Catholic Church in Guam following a Vatican verdict against his predecessor.

Scottish Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who resigned five years ago as archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh after admitting to sexual misconduct, died early March 19 at the age of 80.

"If I want the Lord to listen to what I am asking him, I have to go, and go and go — knock on the door and knock on God's heart," the pope said in his homily March 15 at morning Mass.

Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who said he did not believe in God, was a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and fostered a fruitful dialogue between science and faith.

Forgiving those who have caused pain or offense is not easy, Pope Francis said.

Pope's quotes: In his formal documents, many speeches and unscripted morning homilies the past five years, Pope Francis has given the church plenty of "food for thought" on many issues of great importance.

Francis at Five Years: Bringing a background in literary themes and devices with him to the papacy five years ago, Pope Francis has shown himself to be a master of metaphor and allegory.

Cardinal Karl Lehmann, longtime president of the German bishops' conference and a respected theologian who participated in the Second Vatican Council, died March 11.

God's love is never lacking, despite people's sins and rejection of his presence in their lives, Pope Francis said at a Lenten penance service.

A good confessor is a good listener, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis has chosen the theme and appointed members of the preparatory council for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon region, which will take place in Rome in October 2019.

God asks so little of people and yet, he gives so much in return, Pope Francis said.