Pope leaves Brazil trip after giant mass
Pope Francis left Brazil on Sunday after leading a giant beach mass for three million pilgrims, ending his historic trip to reignite Catholic passion with pleas for a humbler Church.
Pope understands youth who lose faith over church sins
Pope Francis on Friday voiced understanding for young people who have lost faith over the Catholic Church's failings and those turned off by corrupt politics.
The pope and the Stones, superstars of Copacabana
Pope Francis on Thursday showed that his message of renewed faith in Jesus Christ can compete with the Rolling Stones and their Sympathy for the Devil.
Pope warns Latin America against legalizing drugs
Pope Francis warned Latin America against legalizing drugs on Wednesday, delving into a hot topic in his home region after celebrating the first public mass of his landmark visit to Brazil.
Rio metro breaks down, causing chaos amid papal visit
Rio de Janeiro's subway broke down on Tuesday, causing chaos for throngs of pilgrims in town for a huge Catholic gathering and a papal visit already marked by security lapses.
Brazilians throng streets to greet pope
Tens of thousands of pilgrims packed Rio de Janeiro's streets to greet Pope Francis on Monday, joyfully swarming his car and chanting his name in a country recently rocked by social unrest.
Brazil protesters hope for Pope's backing during visit
Young Brazilians who marched in June to demand more funding for health and education are hoping Pope Francis will back their cause when he visits Rio next week.
Brazil military boosting security for papal visit
The Brazilian military decided to boost security above its original plans for Pope Francis' visit during a major Catholic youth fest late this month.
Pope visits Italy refugee island
Pope Francis arrived on the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, a key destination of tens of thousands of would-be immigrants from Africa, in a visit the Vatican hopes will raise awareness of their plight.
Brazil unrest could flare anew during papal visit
Brazil's social turmoil over poor public services and endemic political corruption appears to have abated but could flare again during Pope Francis' visit later this month.
More modern monarchs choose not to rule until death
Retirement is not traditionally on the cards for queens, kings or popes, but in recent months many are choosing to step aside instead of labouring on until death.
Gunshots interrupt peace run in Rio de Janeiro
Gunshots erupted ahead of a foot race for peace in Rio de Janeiro favela on Sunday, delaying the start by an hour as police stepped up security along the route.
Vatican urges dialogue in crisis-hit Venezuela
The Roman Catholic Church weighed in Sunday on Venezuela's political crisis, with Pope Francis expressing deep concern and calling for dialogue in the wake of a disputed presidential election.
Pope completes installation with emotional Rome mass
Pope Francis on Sunday completed his installation as pontiff at an emotional ceremony in which he formally took possession of Rome's St John Lateran basilica -- the official seat of the city's bishop.
Pope urges determined action against sex abuse
Pope Francis has given his first pronouncement on the Catholic Church's pervasive paedophile priest scandal, urging Vatican disciplinarians to act "with determination" against the scourge.
Pope prays for peace in Syria, Korea on first Easter
Pope Francis prayed for a "political solution" in Syria and for "reconciliation" on the Korean peninsula in his first Easter Sunday message in front of a crowd in St Peter's Square.
Pope to celebrate first Easter vigil
Pope Francis is to celebrate his first Easter vigil on Saturday after praying for peace in the Middle East and stronger Christian-Muslim dialogue at a torch-lit ceremony for Good Friday.
Pope to stamp personal touch on Easter celebrations
Pope Francis will stamp his personal touch on Easter celebrations starting by washing the feet of young prisoners on Thursday as he stresses the importance of reaching out to those in need.
Pope sets out on mission to 'embrace the poorest'
Pope Francis has donned the symbols of papal power, vowing to embrace the "poorest" at a grand inauguration in the Vatican as leader of a troubled Roman Catholic Church.
Taiwan row a first diplomatic test for Pope Francis
China's angry reaction to Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's attendance at the inauguration of Pope Francis on Tuesday is the first taste of a long-running dispute..