Democracy must return to politics and unusual alliances must form in order to get the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle poverty, said a panel of speakers attending a Vatican conference.But as people band together for change, world leaders will have to commit to real binding action

Focusing on poverty and sacrificing for the poor are the heart of the Gospel, not signs of communism, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass.Furthermore, if Christians don't dig deep and generously open up their wallets, they do not have "genuine faith," the pope said June 16 during the

C.D.F. to "judge bishops with regard to crimes...connected to the abuse of minors."

A society that does not include religious views and challenges in public debate becomes an "enemy of freedom," said the Vatican's foreign minister.

Families are weakened and destroyed by war, "the mother of all forms of poverty," as well as by economies and policies that worship money and power, Pope Francis said."It's almost a miracle" that, even in poverty and crisis, the family can keep on going, safeguarding its bond

Church leaders cannot be indifferent to the plight of immigrants, and it is "inexcusable" not to promote cooperation between a host nation and countries of origin, Pope Francis told bishops from the Dominican Republic."It is important to integrate immigrants into society and to welcom

Pope Francis' concern for those suffering on the margins and for small Catholic communities that have kept the faith alive through war or repression will take him to Bosnia-Herzegovina in early June.By making a one-day trip June 6 to Sarajevo, he said he hoped he could "be an encouragement

"Sometimes it happens that a boy or girl forgets about Mass, catechism because of work-outs and competition. This is not a good sign" because it means they do not have their priorities right.

The future of the Middle East will depend on nations coming together to promote dialogue and development in the region and on local Christians staying active in society and politics, a top Vatican official said.The international community cannot remain "inert or indifferent before the dramatic

Rome's immigrants, poor, elderly and marginalized will be getting VIP treatment.