Francis is popular because he speaks in a simple, straightforward way, and people say, “I understand this pope.”

The Vatican's celebration of International Women’s Day focused on ways women can work for peace through nonviolence.

Reconnecting the church “with the energy of the Second Vatican Council,” may be the pope’s greatest achievement, Cardinal Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington said in an exclusive interview as the fourth anniversary of the pope’s election approaches.

"Any delay in improving safeguarding documents around the world is leaving vulnerable people and children in danger."

Addressing 90 experts from many countries, Francis said that “all people have a right to safe drinking water.”

The pope's emphasis on protecting undocumented workers is particularly significant for Europe and the United States, where the treatment of refugees and migrants has been a consistent challenge.