“Let’s not extinguish the hope in their hearts; let's not suffocate their hopes for peace,” the pope said of refugees.

The photo shows a young boy, about 10 years old, carrying his dead little brother on his back.

Pope Francis has already attracted more than 40 million followers on Twitter, and he is quickly making a splash on Instagram as well.

Pope Francis has long recognized that the reform of the Roman Curia, which he began in 2013, is a difficult task.

25,000 children and pilgrim sang the pope “Happy Birthday" today in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis will renew the mandate of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors for another three years, informed sources told America this week.