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Pope Francis

The life and legacy of Pope Francis

Obituary

Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88, was the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff. He was also the first to choose the name Francis, dedicating his life to working with the poor and society’s outcasts. Global leaders have expressed their condolences as the Vatican arranges his funeral for Saturday.

Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88

Religion

Syrian refugee children play with Pope Francis and tell him about their new lives in Italy

Conflict
Women carrying fruits and vegetables on their heads walk past a billboard with a photograph of Pope Francis, in Bangui, Central African Republic; November 26, 2015.

Despite security risks, Pope Francis plans to visit the Central African Republic

Belief
Hundreds of people of the Catholic faith stand under umbrellas during light rain at a mass led by Pope Francis at the University of Nairobi in Kenya's capital Nairobi November 26, 2015.

The Pope goes to Kenya

Belief
Pope Francis arrives to lead a special audience to mark 50th anniversary of Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on October 17, 2015.

When the Vatican speaks on matters of doctrine, it will be in Italian

Belief

Catholics bishops from right across the globe are meeting in Rome this month to update church doctrine. They’re wrestling with some contentious issues, including language.

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the Speaker's Balcony on the West Front of the Capitol as he stands with Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R) after concluding his address before a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress o

Francis is challenging America’s political power brokers

Belief

“God bless America” has been Pope Francis’s biggest applause line on this visit. The addressed Congress and implored his audience to live up to the highest ideals of the American Dream. But he is presenting a challenge to US leader as well.

President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama were there in person to welcome Pope Francis at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for the pontiff's first visit to the United States on September 22, 2015.

Pope Francis wants the Vatican to serve the people

Belief

Pope Francis is trying to remake the Catholic Church by reforming the Vatican. He’s definitely got his work cut out for him.

Pope Francis and Cuba's President Raul Castro confer in Havana on Sunday.

Cuban artists ask why their government won’t let them create

Arts

On his trip to Cuba Pope Francis met two Castros, but zero dissidents.

A newly wed couple attends as Pope Francis leads his Sunday Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican, August 16, 2015.

Pope Francis is speeding up the process for Catholics to get an annulment

Belief

For divorced Catholics, getting an annulment is now easier, faster and free, thanks to Pope Francis.

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