The festivities already began at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, Texas, Jan. 4. Other celebrations occur throughout January.

The pope also addressed the political crises in Latin America, including Venezuela, where he said he hoped "efforts to seek solutions will continue."

The amount of the CNN settlement was not made public during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Covington, Kentucky.

Just before Christmas, the Catholic and Lutheran bishops of Minnesota issued a joint letter in support of refugees, urging prayers and protection for them.

Msgr. Andre Massinganda, deputy secretary-general of the Congolese bishops' conference, told Catholic News Service that the church was concerned with "how to bring peace to those areas where war continues, and how to end the killings and massacres so people can live safely again."

Francis gingerly agreed to a nun's request for a kiss on the cheek, but said he would only approach her if she didn't bite.