Pope Francis

Pope Francis greets some Syrian refugees at the Vatican August 11, 2016.

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

When Pope Francis saw the plight of refugees coming to Europe, stranded on the shores of Greece, he wanted to do something. He brought 21 of them to live at the Vatican.

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

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

The Pope goes to Kenya
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

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

Francis is challenging America's political power brokers
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

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 wants the Vatican to serve the people
Pope Francis and Cuba's President Raul Castro confer in Havana on Sunday.

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

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

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

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

Pope Francis is speeding up the process for Catholics to get an annulment
Finland's Prime Minister Juha Sipila's house in Kempele, Finland

Soon, a few refugees may be able to call this house 'home'

It's easy to read about the hundreds of thousands of refugees in Europe and feel sympathetic. But would you go so far as to offer your own home? These politicians and celebrities have.

Soon, a few refugees may be able to call this house 'home'
Pope Francis

Pope Francis announces a year of 'mercy' — and gives ordinary priests the power to forgive the sin of abortion

Since he assumed his role in March 2013, Pope Francis has consistently shaken things up in the Catholic Church. Now in a "year of mercy" — he's allowing all priests to absolve the sin of abortion.

Pope Francis announces a year of 'mercy' — and gives ordinary priests the power to forgive the sin of abortion
TV celebrity Kim Kardashian gestures on her way to a hotel shortly after arriving in Yerevan, Armenia, on April 8, 2015.

Kim Kardashian (and the Pope) thrusts Armenia and its horrific past into the spotlight

Armenians have long been fighting for recognition for their darkest chapter, the mass killings in 1915 that they say were a deliberate genocide by the Ottoman Empire. And their cause got plenty of attention this week as the pope and Kim Kardashian both spoke out — in a way.

Kim Kardashian (and the Pope) thrusts Armenia and its horrific past into the spotlight
Phillipine police block protesters from marching within sight of Pope Francis' motorcade in Manila on January 15, 2015.

How the Philippines hid social justice issues from Pope Francis

Pope Francis brought a "Mercy and Compassion" theme to the Philippines during his five-day visit. But despite the huge crowds that flocked to see the pontiff and celebrate Mass, activists say real issues of social justice were hidden from Francis by the government.

How the Philippines hid social justice issues from Pope Francis
Nuns look on as Pope Francis arrives to lead his weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican on October 22, 2014.

American nuns get an unexpected olive branch from the Vatican

American nuns have come in for sharp criticism in the past from Vatican officials. But the Catholic Church's latest report on nuns in the US offered praise instead, a welcome change at a time when American religious orders are growing older and more cash-strapped.

American nuns get an unexpected olive branch from the Vatican
The World

The Pope's humble, homegrown ride is a hit with South Koreans

On his recent visit to South Korea, Pope Francis ditched the famous Popemobile for a Kia Soul, a hatchback made by a Korean company. That choice of wheels got glowing reviews on social media from South Koreans.

The Pope's humble, homegrown ride is a hit with South Koreans
Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives to lead an audience with the family members of victims of the mafia at the San Gregorio VII church in Rome. A woman shows a picture of her son with the words, "Where is my son?"

When the pope denounces the mafia, there's a reason it is news

Pope Francis condemned the mafia last week and warned mobsters that they're going to hell unless they stop their evil ways. Here's why that came as a surprise to those who know the Vatican's history.

When the pope denounces the mafia, there's a reason it is news